Code of Conduct
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 behavior 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 Accelerate Chicago 2026 Code of Conduct
Accelerate Chicago 2026 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 in any form. Sexual language and imagery are 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 communication, including social media, or verbal communication that can be offensive or harassing to any attendee, speaker, or staff member is not allowed at Accelerate Chicago 2026.
Please inform an Accelerate Chicago 2026 staff member if you feel a violation has taken place. The conference leadership team will address the situation.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or 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 expelling them 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 or venue security, 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 from the organizing team know
We do not want you to feel any more uncomfortable than you already do. You do not need to interact with the person or people who may have violated the Code of Conduct.
In every session hall, you will find one room host, who introduces the speakers, and at least one crew member wearing a shirt with the word “crew” on it. Everyone working on Accelerate Chicago 2026 is aware of the Code of Conduct.
Approach them and let them know what happened. In most cases, they will bring you to one of the main organizers so we can talk to you, 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, or crew member?
- Where? Did it happen in a session hall, in the foyer, at a partner booth, or somewhere else?
- When? What was the approximate time of the behavior? You can use the schedule in your conference app to see what session you were just in.
- What? What were the circumstances that led to the incident?
For example:
- Verbal violation, such as bad jokes or discrediting comments
- Visual violation, such as an inappropriate slide in a talk or an inappropriate print on a t-shirt
- Inappropriate physical interaction, including violence of any kind or any other non-consensual physical interaction
- Other behavior that made someone feel unsafe or uncomfortable
If everyone involved is physically safe, we will only ask for help from security or law enforcement at the victim’s request.
Report a violation
Please reach out to the team as written above, or contact Bara Chladova directly:
Email: bach@trifork.com
If you feel more comfortable writing to a general email address that the whole organizing team can access, please email:
Note
Everyone wearing an Accelerate Chicago 2026 badge is considered an Accelerate Chicago 2026 participant.