SFNet Event Code of Conduct

SFNet is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and SFNet staff at both its national and chapter meetings and events. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, industry partners, exhibitors, sponsors, staff members and service providers are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. SFNet promotes equal opportunities and treatment for all participants. This Code of Conduct applies to all SFNet meetings and events.

This Code of Conduct outlines SFNet’s expectations for participant behavior, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior. All participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, follow venue rules, and to alert staff to any violations of this Code of Conduct, dangerous situations, or any participant in distress.

Code of Ethical Conduct

Be considerate, respectful, professional and collaborative.

Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, disruptive or harassing behavior and speech.

Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert SFNet staff if you notice a dangerous or harassing situation or someone in distress.

Unacceptable Conduct

Unacceptable behavior includes:

Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by any participant at any SFNet meeting or event. All who participate in an SFNet meeting or event deserve respectful treatment.

Verbal or physical abuse, intimidation, or efforts to annoy others, which in any way creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous or creates reasonable apprehension in a person.

Harassing behavior including, but not limited to, offensive verbal comments related to gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, religion, national origin, inappropriate use of sexual images in SFNet-sponsored spaces or in presentations, yelling at or threatening participants, stalking or unwelcome following, harassing photography or recording, or unwelcome physical or verbal contact.

Disrupting an SFNet meeting or event. All participants must comply with the instructions of the moderator and any SFNet staff.

Conduct by any participant that is unlawful.

Additional Rules

In addition, participants must adhere to the following rules:

The unauthorized recording of any SFNet meeting or event (including education sessions, presentations, demos, etc.) in any format is strictly prohibited.

Presentations should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or solicitation for services. 

What to do if you witness or experience conduct that violates this Code of Conduct

Conduct in violation of this Code of Conduct should be promptly brought to the attention of an SFNet staff member who is onsite or responsible for the meeting or event. 

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated at SFNet meetings or events.

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. SFNet reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, up to and including, recission of membership privileges and termination in response to any incident of unacceptable behavior.  Actions may also include immediate removal from the meeting or event without warning or refund.  SFNet also reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting, virtually or in person.

Participants also must cooperate with any SFNet investigation into reports of a violation of this Code of Conduct by providing information requested by SFNet that is relevant to SFNet’s investigation.