Widely Attended Gatherings (WAGS)

Question 1

What is considered a widely attended gathering 5 CFR 2635.204(g)?

Answer 1

A meeting, conference, or other event which is attended by either a large number of people from throughout an industry or profession, or by those representing a wide range of interests. Attendees must represent a diversity of interests, so smaller gatherings may not qualify.

Question 2

What does the WAG exception do?

Answer 2

Permits free attendance at certain widely attended gatherings

Question 3

Can employees accept free attendance if they are speaking at an event?

Answer 3

Yes. Employees may accept free attendance on the day of their presentation when it is provided by the sponsor of the event.

Question 4

Is a WAG needed if the employee is only attending on the day that they are speaking?

Answer 4

No. Free attendance on the day of an official speech or participation is not considered a gift to the individual or to the agency, and no WAG form is needed.

Question 5

Can a spouse/other guest attend an event along with an employee that has received a free attendance?

Answer 5

Yes, if the following is true:

1. the invite is from the same person
2. invite was unsolicited
3. the non-sponsor invite is under the $390 market value

Question 6

Can an employee accept food, refreshments, and/or entertainment 5 CFR 2635.204(h)?

Answer 6

Yes, if:
1. The invitation is unsolicited and is from a person who is not a prohibited source;

2. No fee is charged to any person in attendance; and
3. If either the sponsor of the event or the person extending the invitation to the employee is not an individual, the agency designee has made a written determination after finding that the employee’s attendance would not cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question the employee’s integrity or impartiality, consistent with § 2635.201(b).