Code of Conduct

As we move many of our interactions online, it’s important to remember that the code of conduct applies everywhere. It can be tempting to hide behind the anonymity of virtual platforms. We expect our community to behave in the same manner it would at our in-person events, and to respect the code of conduct outlined below. Any online harassment, of any kind, will not be tolerated; we will take swift action to remove you from our virtual platforms and events should you act in a way that contravenes the spirit of our code.

 

“People should not be [treated badly because of] who they are, who they love, where they come from, or how they pray.” – Sacha Baron Cohen

 

We—the organizers of all Embrase events—endeavour to conduct ourselves with kindness, respect, openness and a sense of community at all conference events we run, and attend. We expect our attendees, speakers, partners, volunteers and collaborators to do the following when participating in any of our events:

  1. We communicate in a manner appropriate to a professional audience coming from diverse backgrounds.
  2. We are sensitive to the needs of others around us, use good judgement, and treat others with respect.
  3. We refrain from intentional harassment of others.
  4. We comply immediately with direct requests to stop a behaviour that is considered harassment, or deemed unwelcome. Specifically, we do not initiate or engage in the following:
    • Offensive verbal comments or jokes related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, language, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.
    • Presentation of sexual images that may be triggering or offensive to specific members of the community.
    • Intimidation, stalking, and unwanted following.
    • Unwanted photography or recording of a specific individual.
    • Sustained disruption to proceedings.
    • Inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact.
    • Public shaming.
    • Unwelcome sexual attention.
    • Ignoring the identified gender and preferred pronouns of a participant.
  5. When we observe an instance of harassment, we contact a member of the conference organizing team immediately.
  6. If we are asked to leave by the conference organizers due to a violation of the above points, we will do so immediately, quietly, and without drawing attention to the situation.

The Embrase team reserves the right to maintain the anonymity of the victim in all instances. By participating in Embrase’s events, you agree with this policy and understand that the well-being of the victim is the organizing team’s top priority.

 

Understanding the Code

What is harassment?

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; non-consensual photography or recording; sustained disruption of event proceedings; inappropriate physical contact; public shaming (as provocation or retaliation); and unwelcome sexual attention.

Exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, partners and volunteers are all subject to the Code of Conduct. Exhibitors should take particular care to avoid the use of sexualized images, language, or activities in their promotional material and activities.

Be careful in the words that you choose:

  • Remember that sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you.
  • Do not assume the prefered pronoun of those around you.
  • Excessive swearing is inappropriate for professional events.

 

Contact Information

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the conference team immediately. At physical events, conference team members will be wearing Team badges and distinctive T-shirts. For virtual events, please contact info@embrase.com.

If the matter is especially urgent, please call/contact either of these individuals:

  • Philippe Telio: phil@embrase.com / +1 (514) 909-9709

Conference staff will do what is necessary to help participants contact 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.

 

Reporting a Code of Conduct violation

  1. Please report the incident to a member of the event “team”, all clearly marked in T-shirts and team badges or identified within online platforms as an event organizer. All reports are confidential.
  2. When reporting an event, please try to collect as much information as possible, the team member can help you with this. Information may include things like:
    • Identifying information (name/company) of the participant doing the harassing.
    • The behavior that was in violation.
    • The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time the report was made).
    • The circumstances surrounding the incident. For online events, screenshots, URLs, or a record of the interaction may help resolve the issue as well.
    • Other people involved in the incident.
  3. The event team is well informed on how to deal with any incident and will proceed accordingly.
  4. If you ever feel that your safety is ever threatened, please never hesitate to contact 911. If you do not have a cell phone, a staff member can assist you.