Code of conduct
BE EXCELLENT WITH EACH OTHER
This Code of Conduct applies to all of our events and to all participants (attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, etc.) of our events We are expecting cooperation from all participants to help ensuring a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everybody throughout our events.
THE QUICK VERSION
Our events are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion (or lack thereof), color, national origin or genetic information. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any event venue, including talks, workshops, parties, and social media. Event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event without a refund at the discretion of the event organisers.
THE LESS QUICK VERSION
Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, color, national origin, or genetic information; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.
Participants who are asked to stop any harassing behavior must comply immediately.
Sponsors are also subject to this anti-harassment policy. In particular, sponsors must not use sexualised images, activities, or other materials. Booth staff (including volunteers) must not wear sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes or otherwise create a sexualised environment.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the event organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event without a refund.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of event staff immediately.
Additionally, any behavior that significantly disrupts the event—such as deliberately interrupting sessions, damaging event property, or creating a safety hazard—is strictly prohibited. Such conduct may also result in appropriate sanctions.
We expect participants to follow these rules at all online and offline events.
BAN & ENFORCEMENT POLICY
We maintain the right to enforce this Code of Conduct through appropriate and proportional measures. Depending on the severity and frequency of a participant’s misconduct, these measures may include, but are not limited to:
Informal Warning: An oral or written warning for minor or first-time violations. The organiser will document such incidents internally.
Formal Warning: A formal written warning for more serious or repeated incidents. This may be accompanied by additional conditions, such as restricting the participant’s activities or discussions at the event.
Temporary Removal or Suspension: In the event of serious misconduct or repeated violations, the participant may be asked to leave the current event immediately. The organiser may also impose a suspension from future events for a specified period.
Permanent Ban: For egregious misconduct or multiple serious infractions, a participant may be permanently banned from all current and future events. This decision will be documented, and the individual will receive written notification.
Referral to Authorities: In cases involving unlawful activity or credible threats to personal safety, we reserve the right to contact local law enforcement or pursue other legal actions.
DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY
If personal data (including contact details, incident reports, or ban records) is collected in the course of organizing or enforcing the Code of Conduct, we commit to handling such data in compliance with applicable data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that:
Purpose Limitation: Any data collected is used solely for the purpose of administering the event and enforcing the Code of Conduct.
Data Minimization: We only collect data strictly necessary for the identified purposes.
Access Control: Access to personal or sensitive data is restricted to authorized personnel who require it to perform their duties and who have been trained in handling such information appropriately.
Security Measures: We take reasonable and appropriate technical and organizational measures (e.g., password protection, encrypted storage) to safeguard personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss.
Retention and Erasure: Data is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purpose, after which it is securely deleted or anonymized.
RECORD-KEEPING
To maintain consistency, fairness, and transparency in our enforcement processes, we keep confidential records of all reported incidents, investigations, and outcomes. These records serve to:
Document Precedent: Provide reference points for similar cases in the future, ensuring that enforcement actions are applied equitably over time.
Track Patterns: Identify recurring or escalating behavior that may warrant more significant enforcement measures.
Support Transparency: Demonstrate a documented history of decision-making if questions or appeals arise.
These records will be stored securely and accessed only by those with a legitimate need, in accordance with our privacy and data protection commitments.
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
This Code of Conduct is intended to outline our community standards and the consequences of violating these standards. It does not create a contractual obligation on the part of the organizers. Furthermore:
Liability: Organizers are not liable for actions or statements made by participants outside the scope of our events or beyond our immediate control.
No Guarantee of Conduct: While we strive to ensure a positive and safe environment, we cannot guarantee that every participant will adhere to these guidelines at all times.
Jurisdictional Compliance: Where applicable, we comply with local laws and regulations. We reserve the right to update this Code of Conduct and any enforcement procedures as necessary.
By participating in our events, you acknowledge these legal disclaimers and agree to follow our Code of Conduct. For specific legal advice, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
NEED HELP?
Feel free to ask for help from any members of staff during the event. You can also contact the organisers at [email protected] and we will try to help as soon as possible.