Code of Conduct

The Tech Community aims to provide a harassment-free experience for participants at all of our events, whether they are held in person or virtually. The purpose of the community is to encourage the open exchange of ideas and expression and require an environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every person and group. The community requires that any participants, including members, speakers, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, booth staff and anyone else, should not engage in harassment in any form.

This Code of Conduct may be revised at any time by The Tech Community and the terms are non-negotiable. Your registration for or attendance at any Tech Community event, whether it’s held in person or virtually, indicates your agreement to abide by this policy and its terms.

All group members should follow throughout each interaction:

• Be friendly and welcoming
• Listen with purpose and create space for others’ communication preferences.
• Ask yourself how you can make someone life easier.
• Be patient
• Remember that people have varying communication styles and preferences.
• Recognize that not everyone is using their native language. Meaning and tone can be lost in translation.
• Be thoughtful
• Think about how others will interpret your words. Aim for clear and productive communication.
• Remember that sometimes it is best to refrain from commenting.
• Be respectful and inclusive
• Respect differences of opinion.
• Seek to understand and build bridges, not condemn or criticize.
• Make a conscious effort to include people who differ from you.
• Be open and curious
• Assume good intent and interpret others’ statements or questions in good faith.
• Ask questions to understand, not denounce.
• Focus on continuous learning. Improve upon the things you already know, tackle new things, and ask others about their expertise to deepen your own knowledge.

Summary

• Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and empathy.
• Use welcoming and inclusive language.
• Be thoughtful in how you communicate in person and online.
• Don’t be destructive or inflammatory.
• Gracefully accept constructive criticism.
• Listen with purpose and create space for others’ communication preferences.
• Reach out to the organizers if you need anything.
• Reporting

Unacceptable Behavior

Harassment will not be tolerated in any form, whether in person or virtually, including, but not limited to, harassment based on gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion or any other status. Harassment includes the use of abusive, offensive or degrading language, intimidation, stalking, harassing photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, sexual imagery and unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. Any report of harassment at one of our events, whether in person or virtual, will be addressed immediately. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, whether in person or virtually, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate depending on the circumstances, ranging from issuance of a warning to the offending individual to expulsion from the conference. The Tech Community reserves the right to exclude any participant found to be engaging in harassing behavior from participating in any further any future Tech Community event.

If a participant (or individual wishing to participate in a Tech Community event, in-person and/or virtual), through postings on social media or other online publications or another form of electronic communication, engages in conduct that violates this policy, whether before, during or after a Tech Community event, could include imposing a temporary or permanent ban on an individual’s participation in future events.