Code of Conduct

QCon 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 is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks. Conference participants (including speakers, sponsors, staff or guests) 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, social media, or verbal communication that can be offensive or harassing to any attendee, speaker or staff is not allowed at QCon. Please inform a QCon 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, sponsor 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.
 
How to report inapropriate behavior:
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 walk up to the QCon registration desk and ask for the conference manager to be called immediately. Whilst you may, of course, post your complaint to social media we would prefer you to give QCon a chance to resolve this issue on a personal, face-to-face level first. Addressing sensitive issues like these in this way is generally faster and is also ultimately more effective.

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.