Is it appropriate for existing University suppliers to cover any portion of travel expenses (i.e. hotels, flights) for corporate visits?
Employees should not allow corporate vendors to pay for business-related travel costs, even for the purpose of a corporate visit. This could lead to the appearance of bias, be perceived as an unethical favor, or could constitute or appear to be unfair dealing as well as a conflict of interest. If an employee is invited to attend a University conference, healthcare-related event or corporate event for the purposes of speaking on a given topic or participating as an expert or with peers at a similar level, then it is acceptable for the corporate vendor to pay for reasonable travel costs and expenses. It is inappropriate to have a conference organizer pay for travel expenses to a conference in exchange for the staff member’s willingness to have his/her participation publicized and/or agreement to meet with other vendors given the appearance of impropriety and potential for a conflict of interest. Q: If an Emory employee is on an out-of-town business trip and has business meetings separate
