Code of Conduct, Accessibility, Etiquette
Table of Contents
All attendees, speakers, sponsors and volunteers at AlterConf are required to abide by the code of conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.
This code of conduct also applies to AlterConf's Slack community and is enforced by AlterConf staff members and admins.
Need Help?
Contact the organizers: [email protected] or use the phone number found in the emails we sent you.
The Quick Version
Our event and its associated online spaces are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender and gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion (or lack thereof). We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any venue, including talks, parties, Twitter, Slack, and other online media. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled without a refund at the discretion of the organizers.
No weapons of any kind, alcohol, or drugs are allowed at AlterConf venues.
The Less Quick Version
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender and gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, 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.
No weapons of any kind, alcohol, or drugs are allowed at AlterConf venues.
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Sponsors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualised images, activities, or other material.
If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact AlterConf staff immediately. Staff can be identified as they'll be wearing staff name badges or are listed as admins in our online spaces.
Staff will be happy to help participants contact security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of their time with us. We value your attendance.
We expect participants to follow these rules at the event, event-related social events, and in our online spaces.
- Trigger/Content Warnings - Speakers have provided content and trigger warnings for their talks, if necessary. We will post this information beside their talk on the schedule, as well as announcing in the break before the talk and immediately before the talk begins. While we take every precaution to provide as much information as possible about the content, we may slip up. If you have concerns or complaints about the warnings, please email us [email protected]
Take steps to protect yourself in whatever way necessary - leave the speaking area, go outside, enjoy some food, use the restroom. Getting up in the middle of a talk to take care of yourself is not disrespectful. - Accessible presentations - We provide speakers with information on creating accessible presentations, including requests to speak slowly, describe the content of slides, and refrain from using flashing/blinking videos or animations.
- Language and behavior - AlterConf aims to foster a safe, inclusive space for all attendees. Be mindful to avoid derogatory, discriminatory, and violent language. Remember that all attendees are expected to abide by our Code of Conduct, which we are prepared to enforce.
- If you feel comfortable doing so, provide the space to join - Many people feel awkward about joining existing conversations with people they don’t know. If you see someone off on their own, consider asking them to join your conversation or meal table. When congregating in small groups where you're open to additional participants, leave a gap in the circle to allow others to approach and participate.
- Respect individuals' identities - use stated names and pronouns, refrain from challenging a marginalized person’s race, sexuality, disability, etc.
- Respect space and boundaries -
- Don’t touch people, their mobility devices, or other assistive equipment without their consent. If someone asks you to stop a certain behavior, cease immediately
- Service animals are working. Do not pet, address, or otherwise distract them from their duties.
- If a conversation is being facilitated by a sign language interpreter or translator, maintain focus on the individual, not their interpreter.
- Avoid blocking direct sight of your lips while speaking - many people read lips to aid in their comprehension.
Meat, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options always provided. Halaal, Kosher, and other special meals available upon request. Notify us of food allergies or dietary restrictions when purchasing tickets.
Refrain from wearing scents such as perfumes/colognes, scented lotions, clothing with strong detergent scents, etc. Notify us of preventable environmental allergies when purchasing tickets.
If you currently are or fear you may be sick, please stay home as we may have attendees who are immunocompromised. Practice good hygiene.
Unless you receive explicit permission, do not take pictures or recordings of any attendee. Respect individual speakers' media consent.
Free childcare. Purchase ticket & register child(ren) no later than listed cut-off date. Children welcome to stay with guardian at conference. Breastfeeding welcome.
Gender-neutral restrooms are available at all of our events. If a gender-neutral, multi-occupancy restroom has urinals, please refrain from using them.
Professional sign language interpreters and live captioning provided. Reserved seating for people with disabilities (with and without mobility devices) interspersed with non-reserved seating. Sit with your friends!
Aisles a minimum of 3.5ft wide, marked with blue tape. Service animals, of course, welcome.
We’re happy to provide a translator if you need one. Please contact us.
Alcohol, smoking (including smokeless tobacco products), and recreational drugs are unwelcome at AlterConf. If you need to smoke, please do so at least 20ft from the venue unless otherwise posted.
If you have questions about any of this information, require additional accommodations, or need help, please contact us.
© AlterConf | Code of Conduct, Accessibility, & Etiquette