All attendees, speakers, sponsors, and organizers at MDC are required to agree to the following code of conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event.
MDC is dedicated to providing a positive, harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, socioeconomic status, race or religion. MDC does not tolerate harassment in any form. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or asked to leave the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.
At MDC, we assume that most people are intelligent and well-intended, and we’re not inclined to tell people what to do. That being said, it’s necessary to spell out the behavior we support and discourage at our conference. The core of our approach is to do what we deem necessary to ensure that our attendees, speakers, and sponsors will have a fun, safe and productive environment. Any form of harassment will not be tolerated.
Sexual language, imagery, and advances are not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks and social events. Harassment includes offensive verbal comments and imagery 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 conduct, and unwelcome sexual attention. We expect attendees, speakers, and sponsors to follow these rules at all conference venues and conference-related social events.
Individuals asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. If an individual 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 (this goes for both attendees and sponsors).
If you are being harassed, witness another individual being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the conference organizing team immediately. These individuals can be identified by the “Organizer” label on their badge or can be found at the registration desk. Conference organizers will be happy to help 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 and participation. If you find this policy restrictive, please do not attend or speak at MDC.
Harassment policy adapted from industry best practices and recommendations.