This Code of Conduct is also available in an Easy English version.

ISAAC INTERNATIONAL is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable Conference experience for all event participants, and a welcoming environment for free discussion of ideas. We do not tolerate harassment of event participants in any form. Any conference attendee found to be contravening this Code of Conduct in any way is subject to any action at the sole discretion of ISAAC INTERNATIONAL up to, and including, expulsion from the Conference with no refund or right of appeal. Instances of alleged harassment may also be reported to the relevant authorities, again at the sole discretion of ISAAC INTERNATIONAL.

What constitutes harassment?

Harassment includes—but is not limited to—unwelcome conduct or offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin, or religion? deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, unwelcome or unauthorized photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Similarly, encouraging others to engage in such behaviour is not permitted, nor are false accusations of harassment.

Who is covered under this Code of Conduct?

All attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers at our events are required to refrain from any form of harassment. ISAAC INTERNATIONAL staff will enforce this Code throughout the event, and expects cooperation from all participants. ISAAC INTERNATIONAL expects sponsors, exhibitors, booth staff, and volunteers to avoid engaging in harassing behaviour and/or the use of sexualized images, activities, or other material.

ISAAC INTERNATIONAL expects that all event participants refrain from engaging in harassment and/or using potentially offensive language in social media or other electronic posts, regardless of whether ISAAC International hashtags have been used.

Guidelines for Speakers

Speakers are responsible for the content of their presentations, but ISAAC INTERNATIONAL requests that speakers be cognizant of potentially offensive actions, language, or imagery, and that they consider whether their use is necessary. If they do decide to include it, ISAAC INTERNATIONAL asks that they warn the audience, at the beginning of the talk, and provide them with the opportunity to leave the room to avoid seeing or hearing the material.

How should I handle an uncomfortable situation at an event?

Interpersonal Behaviour: If it is safe to do so, we encourage you to request that the person stop the unwelcome or harassing behaviour. Participants who are asked to stop any such behavior are expected to comply immediately.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any related concerns, please contact ISAAC INTERNATIONAL staff, event organizers, or facility security immediately. Event staff can be identified by their clearly marked “ISAAC INTERNATIONAL Staff” badge holders. You can also email ISAAC International staff members directly at conference2018@isaac-online.org.

Sponsor/Exhibitor Complaints: Please contact ISAAC INTERNATIONAL staff as described above.

Sessions and Presentations Complaints: ISAAC INTERNATIONAL staff and event organizers welcome all comments/feedback about presentations. Attendee comments are taken seriously when planning future events and will be kept in confidence if requested.

What happens once a report is made?

Interpersonal Behaviour: If an incident of harassment is reported, ISAAC INTERNATIONAL staff will conduct an investigation. If they determine—to the best of their ability, and in their sole discretion—that a participant has violated this Code, they may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund. Under certain circumstances and at their discretion, ISAAC INTERNATIONAL staff may contact hotel security and/or local police. To protect all parties involved, ISAAC INTERNATIONAL will generally not make any detailed public statements about Code of Conduct incidents.

Sponsor/Exhibitor Complaints: ISAAC INTERNATIONAL staff will investigate the complaint. If they determine—to the best of their ability, and in their sole discretion—that action is warranted, they may resolve the matter as they deem appropriate, including removing the exhibit.

Sessions and Presentations: Concerns will be relayed to current and future organizers, who will take the information into account when selecting speakers for future events. ISAAC INTERNATIONAL requests that attendees understand, however, that determining whether material is “offensive” is a subjective call.

This is a living document

ISAAC INTERNATIONAL intends for this Code of Conduct to meet the needs of all our stakeholders and ensure that all have a positive event experience. To this end, we welcome comments and suggestions. Please contact ISAAC INTERNATIONAL staff on-site or by email/phone if you would like to provide feedback.