Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to all people who attend conferences in person or  online, including:

  • Registered attendees
  • Invited guests
  • Speakers
  • Workshop presenters
  • Conference staff
  • Volunteers
  • Sponsors
  • Exhibitors and advertisers

All participants are required to agree with the Code of Conduct. Organisers will enforce this code throughout the event to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.

Our conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, religion, or technology choices. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the sole discretion of the conference organisers.

Conference participants must always adhere to this Code of Conduct when engaging onsite, through the online platform and/or in social media threads.

Harassment

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, graphic or culturally inappropriate images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate or unwanted 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 and exhibitors should not present or refer to any sexualised, graphic or culturally inappropriate images, activities, or other material. Staff (including volunteers) should be appropriately attired and should not create or encourage behaviours that could be deemed inappropriate to others.

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.

How to report an incident

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.

How your report will be handled

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.
  • The behaviour that was in violation of the conference code of conduct
  • 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.