Code of Conduct

Why we have a Code of Conduct (CoC)

We are dedicated to create an event where everybody can learn, teach, share, network and have a good time. This can only work if we are inclusive and if we create an environment where everybody feels safe and welcome.

We value discussion and disagreement. And discussions can become heated. But there have to be rules, and there has to be a red line.

In this code of conduct, we lay out those rules and red lines.

Safe Environment

We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof).

We invite all participants, and the community, to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone. With your help, this event can be a great experience for everyone!

• Treat everyone professionally. Everybody at the conference is a professional in their field.
• Treat all attendees as equals. Ask before you teach. Do not explain things without being asked. The person you are talking to right now might know more, or different things about the topic than you!
• Be welcoming, friendly, and patient. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Ask questions before jumping to conclusions.
• Be respectful. Not all of us will agree with each other all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for poor behaviour and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration to turn into a personal attack.
• Be aware of the effect your words may have on others. We are a community of professionals, and we conduct ourselves professionally. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other participants. Harassment and other exclusionary behaviour aren’t acceptable.
• Use inclusive language. For example whenever possible say “folks” or “friends” instead of “guys”, and be mindful that some people prefer different pronouns than those you would assume. If you misspeak, don’t feel bad - just apologize and do better next time.
• Be careful with jokes. We do not tolerate any CoC violations, even if “it was just a joke”.
• Admit when you do not know something. Encourage others to admit when they do not know something — and never joke about it. We are all here to learn.

CoC Violations

If you think someone has violated our code of conduct—even if you were not directly involved, like you just overheard a conversation—please:

• Let the person know that what they did is not appropriate and ask them to stop.
• Contact the organisers.

But please give people the benefit of doubt. If there is even a slight chance that this was a misunderstanding (e.g. the person did not speak in their native language, and did not find the right words), try to sort it out in a friendly, constructive way.

When we learn about a CoC violations, organisers will hear both sides, and then take action we deem appropriate, such as:

• Give a warning
• Have a longer talk about our values
• Expel the perpetrator from the conference without a refund (requires two organisers to agree, if this was the first offence)
• Call the authorities

Unacceptable Behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment, and other exclusionary behaviour. Deliberate intimidation and threats.
• Aggressive or sexualized language and content. Unwanted sexual advances.
• Insulting or putting down other participants.
• Publishing or telling others, that a participant belongs to a particular identity channel without asking their consent first.
• “Well-actuallies”: Telling people what they “actually meant to say”.
• Other conduct which could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting.

Need Help?

If you need help, have any further questions or have any other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff immediately.

Credit

This Code of Conduct is based on the SoCraTes Conference Values - credit and kudos to them!