Policies
Refund and cancellation.
Registration fees for WSDM 2026 are not refundable. Registrations may be transferred, and the conditions are below.
Effective October 2026 · Last updated October 2026
General policy
All registration fees for WSDM 2026 are strictly non-refundable once payment is processed and confirmation is issued. This policy ensures we can secure venues, speakers, catering and materials for all confirmed participants.
No-refund policy
WSDM 2026 operates on a no-refund basis for all registration categories, including:
- Students and research scholars
- NGOs and NPOs
- Faculty, scientists and government officials
- Corporate houses and industry
Cancellation by participants
Registration cancellations will not result in any refund regardless of the timing of cancellation. Participants who cancel their registration will forfeit the entire registration fee.
Registration transfer policy
While refunds are not available, registrations may be transferred under the following conditions:
- Transfer to another person from the same organisation
- Transfer requests must be submitted at least 7 days before the event
- Transfer must be requested in writing to secretary@himalayanacademy.org.in
- Original registrant details will be replaced with the new participant's information
- No additional fees for transfers within the same registration category
- Transfer to a higher category will require payment of the difference
Event cancellation by organisers
If WSDM 2026 is cancelled entirely by the organising committee due to circumstances beyond our control:
- Full refund will be processed within 15 business days
- Refunds will be issued through the original payment method
- Participants will be notified immediately via email and the website
Postponement or format change
If the event is postponed or moved to a virtual format, existing registrations remain valid for the new date or format. No refunds will be provided for format changes. The virtual format will include full access to sessions, materials and digital networking platforms. Participants unable to attend the rescheduled event may transfer their registration to another person.
No-refund conditions
No refunds will be provided under any circumstances for:
- Non-attendance due to personal reasons, illness or travel issues
- Visa denial or travel restrictions
- Changes in personal schedules or priorities
- Participant removal due to code-of-conduct violations
- Changes in personal circumstances after registration
- Dissatisfaction with event content or speakers
- Technical issues on the participant's end during virtual sessions
Force majeure
In case of force majeure events such as natural disasters, government restrictions or pandemic measures, the event may be postponed or moved to a virtual format. No refunds will be provided; registrations will remain valid for the rescheduled or modified event. Only complete event cancellation will result in refunds.
Payment acknowledgment
By completing registration and payment, participants acknowledge and agree to this no-refund policy and understand that all sales are final, registration fees are non-recoverable, and transfer is the only alternative to forfeiture.
Contact for transfer requests
Email secretary@himalayanacademy.org.in with the subject line "WSDM 2026 Registration Transfer Request", and include the original registration ID, the new participant's details, and the reason for transfer.
This policy is non-negotiable and subject to change only with advance notice. Updated versions will be posted here and communicated to registered participants.
Questions about this policy go to secretary@himalayanacademy.org.in.