The fine print:

Terms

By accepting these terms, I, the Participant, agree to the following:

1. Voluntary Participation: That participation in this contest is entirely voluntary
2. Rules, Decisions, and Prizes:
   • To abide by the contest rules
   • That the decisions of the contest judges are final
   • If the winner(s) of any prize is found to be ineligible or decline the prize, the prize will be forfeited. Judges, at their sole discretion, may choose whether to award the prize to another contestant.
3. Permission to Use Submitted Content: I (the “Participant”) agree to provide to Excelsior Empire Region, non-exclusive license to use the image and accompanying text (all considered Content) through Excelsior Empire Regions’ own platforms to promote its mission. I, the Participant, acknowledge that I am at least 18 years of age and own the copyright to the content provided to Excelsior Empire Region or have permission of the copyright holder to submit the Content.
   • If I am under 18, a parent or legal guardian will fill out my submission form for me.
4. That there is no expectation of compensation for submitting this Content or from Excelsior Empire Regions’ use of the Content for these purposes.

• I, the Participant, retain the copyright and grant Excelsior Empire a non-exclusive license to use Content.
• Participant warrants that he or she is the owner of the copyright to all Content submitted to Excelsior Empire Region or have permission of the copyright holder to submit the Content and that the Content does not violate any laws or the rights of any individuals or business entities including copyrights, trade secrets, privacy rights, and right to privacy.
• If there are co-creators of the submitted Content, then Participant warrants that the co-creators have all given approval for submission of the Content to this contest and for its potential use as described above.

1. Pursuant to this agreement, Participant and any co-creators grant a non-exclusive license for Excelsior Empire Region to use the photographs in their marketing efforts, both print and digital, and expect no compensation for the use of the images.
2. Accompanying Information:

• Participant warrants that the information provided to Excelsior Empire Region (whether entered onto the contest website or in any form of communication with Excelsior Empire Region staff) is complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge.
• Waiver and Release:
  • I recognize that I am participating in this contest on a voluntary basis and that Excelsior Empire Region nor any of its officers or employees are not responsible for any liability, injury, or loss that I may incur due to my participation.
  • Should I, the Participant of the submitted work, as well as any co-creators, breach the terms of this agreement, then the Participant shall indemnify, release and forever discharge and hold harmless Excelsior Empire Region, its agents, officers, directors, employees, associates, successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from my association and engagement with Excelsior Empire Region The indemnity shall apply to any liabilities and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs) or claim that I, the Participant, may have against Excelsior Empire Region with respect to financial cost, bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage or other loss that may result from my engagement with 2025 – 2026 Excelsior Empire Region Photography Contest, including but not limited to the production of materials for Excelsior Empire Region or participation in any Excelsior Empire Region events.

1. Cancellation of Contest: If for any reason the contest must be canceled, as determined by Excelsior Empire Region, then Excelsior Empire Region will not retain any rights to the submitted content.
2. General Terms:
   • If any term or provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall be fully enforceable on its remaining terms and conditions.
   • Participant agrees that all claims involving the content shall be brought in State of New York, USA.
   • This agreement is the complete and exclusive statement of the Agreement between Participant and Excelsior Empire Region, which supersedes any proposal or prior agreement, oral or written, and any other communication between Participant and Excelsior Empire Region, relating to the subject of this Agreement.
   • This contest is governed by the laws of the United States of America.