The purpose of the Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct does not exist because we expect to deal with any such problems.

On the contrary, it exists to help give attendees confidence that they are attending an event where high standards of behavior are the norm, where everyone is aware of those standards, and that something will be done should it fall short.

By signaling inclusivity and diversity as values we expect the conference to uphold, the Code of Conduct helps guarantee that the event will indeed be inclusive and embrace diversity.

The GOTO Chicago Code of Conduct

GOTO Chicago is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants [1] in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Any form of written (including social media) or verbal communication that can be offensive or harassing to any attendee, speaker or staff is not allowed at GOTO Chicago. Please inform a GOTO Chicago staff member if you feel a violation has taken place and the conference leadership team will address the situation.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, 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. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Exhibitors in the expo hall, partner or vendor booths, or similar activities are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the conference with no refund. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff immediately. Conference staff can be identified by t-shirts and special badges.

Conference staff will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference. We value your attendance.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all conference venues and conference-related social events.

What to do when you witness a Code of Conduct violation?

All reports of incidents are confidential! We will not publish the name of the reporter in any way.

Please let someone of the organizing team know

We of course do not want you to feel any more uncomfortable than you already do. You do not need to interact with the person(s) who presumably violated the Code of Conduct.

In every session-hall you will find one room host (the person introducing the speakers) and at least one crew member (wearing a shirt with the word "crew" on it). All people who are working on GOTO Chicago are very aware of the Code of Conduct.

Approach them and let them know. In most cases they will bring you to one of the main organizers so we can talk to you and work on next steps with you, and if necessary write an incident report.

Important questions:

Who?
Could you see the names of the people involved? Was it a speaker, attendee, service person, organizer, crew?

Where?
In a session hall? In the foyer? At a partner booth? ...

When?
The approximate time of the behavior. (Remember, you have the schedule in your GOTO Guide App to see what session you were just in.)

What?

• What were the circumstances that led to the incident?
  
• Verbal violation ("bad jokes", discrediting, ...)
  
• Visual violation (slide in the talk, t-shirt with an inappropriate print, ...)
  
• Inappropriate physical interaction (violence of any kind, any other non-consensual physical interaction, ...)
  
• ...
  

If everyone involved is physically safe, we will only ask for security help or law enforcement at victim's request.

Report a violation

Please reach out to the team as written above or to Confenrence Producer, Mette Baastrup, directly:
Email: meba@trifork.com
Phone: +45 20 92 19 29 (Text, WhatsApp)

In case you feel more comfortable writing to a general email address that the whole organizing team can access, please write an email to info@gotocon.com.