Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. This code of conduct outlines the behaviour expected from all attendees, including organisers, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and participants. By attending the event, you agree to abide by this code of conduct when engaging onsite, through the online platform or on social media.

Expected Behaviour

• Treat all participants with respect, professionalism, and courtesy.
• Engage in open and constructive dialogue, while being mindful of the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of others.
• Be considerate of others’ viewpoints and experiences, even if they differ from your own.
• Maintain a harassment-free environment, free from discrimination, intimidation, or offensive behaviour based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion.
• Respect the privacy and personal space of others.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited at the event:

• Harassment, including but not limited to, offensive or derogatory verbal or written comments, unwelcome advances or following, stalking, intimidation, inappropriate or unwanted physical contact, or unwelcome sexual attention.
• Harrasment, discrimination or exclusion based on race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, or religion.
• Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour during presentations, workshops, or any activities.
• Non-consensual photography, recording, or distribution of images or content without explicit permission.
• Sexual, graphic or culturally inappropriate images.
• Any form of verbal or written abuse or aggressive behaviour.
• Advocating for or encouraging unacceptable behaviour.
• Any other behaviour that violates the principles of this code of conduct.

Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour

If you experience or witness any violation of this code of conduct or you have other concerns, please contact an organiser or staff member. Our staff will be contactable at the registration desk onsite, through the Live Support button in the online platform, or by phone 03 6231 2999.

You may bring a person to support you when making a report, and we will ensure your report is confidential. You will not be asked to confront the person in question and we will not share your personal details.

When reporting an incident, our staff will gather information including:

• Identifying the person conducting the alleged harassing behaviour.
• Details of the behaviour alleged in violation of the code of conduct.
• The approximate time(s) of the incident(s).
• The circumstances surrounding the incident(s).
• Other people involved in the incident(s).

If required, event staff will assist by contacting venue security or law enforcement agencies, providing escorts, or otherwise help you to feel safe for the duration of the event.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

Participants asked to cease any unacceptable behaviour as deemed by the organisers are expected to comply immediately.

Participants who violate this code of conduct may face consequences, including but not limited to warnings, expulsion from the event without refund, and restriction from attending future events. Serious violations may result in immediate expulsion from the event and may be reported to appropriate authorities for further action.

Retaliation against individuals who report violations or cooperate in the investigation of such incidents is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a separate violation of this code of conduct.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, religion, technology choices.  Harassment also includes sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, and advocating for, or encouraging any of the above behaviours.

Participants asked to cease any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

Sponsors and exhibitors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy in this Code of Conduct. In particular, sponsors should not present or refer to any sexualised images, activities, or other material. Staff (including volunteers) should be appropriately attired and should not create or encourage a sexualised environment.

If a participant instigates or engages in harassing behaviour, the conference organisers will take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the conference with no refund.

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, if you are feeling harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or you have other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff immediately. Conference staff will be contactable at the registration desk, or during online events through the Live Support button on the top right-hand side of the online platform screen or by phone, 03 6231 2999.

When taking your personal report, staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. Other event staff may be included in the communication to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we will ask you to recount the situation and occurrence/s to us. This can be upsetting, and we will treat you with sensitivity and respect.  You may also bring someone to support you. You will not be asked to confront the individual in question, and we will not share your personal details with them or other delegates.

All reports are confidential.

When reporting an incident, our staff will gather as much important information as possible and may assist you to write the report.

The important information consists of:

• Identifying information (name/badge number) of the alleged person conducting the harassing behaviour.
• How the behaviour that was in violation
• The approximate time of the behaviour (if different than the time the report was made)
• The circumstances surrounding the incident
• Other people involved in the incident

If required, conference staff will assist by contacting hotel/venue security or local law enforcement agencies, providing escorts, or otherwise help you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

This policy is licensed under the Creative Commons Zero license . It is public domain; no credit and no open licencing of your version is required.

If you would like to optionally attribute it, you could use the below text and link to http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Conference_anti-harassment:

This anti-harassment policy is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers.