The Code of Conduct

HasGeek conferences are spaces for developers to share knowledge, network, and collaborate to advance the state of technology.

We strive to create a safe and open environment so that every participant can participate confidently, contribute to the community meaningfully, and feel enriched at the end of the conference.

This code of conduct is to create a safe environment so that everyone can voice their perspective freely.

Code for Speakers:

1. Sexual language, imagery and objectification of the male / female / trans-sexual body is not appropriate during talks. Refrain from using these in your slides. Sexualization means objectification of human body, especially the female body, where the images, materials and activities are used for illustrative purposes as against being the content of discussion.

2. Sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not acceptable.

3. Every speaker must submit his/her slides a day before their presentation to ensure that they are in the clear.

4. HasGeek crew reserves the right to stop a speaker during her/his talk if s/he makes overt or subtle remarks which violate this code of conduct.

5. The offending speaker will be informed of their unacceptable remarks by the event coordinator, privately. If a speaker is found to make sexist comments, after being warned about the same, HasGeek reserves the right to disallow their talks from any or all of HasGeek's conferences, indefinitely.

Code for Exhibitors and Sponsors:

1. Exhibitors should not use sexualised images, activities, or other material which objectify the male / female / trans-sexual body. For e.g., bikini-clad women, bodies of macho men, etc. Sexualization means objectification of human body, especially the female body, where the images, materials and activities are used for illustrative purposes as against being the content of discussion.

2. Efforts should also be made to refrain from using imagery and verbal remarks that can be interpreted as a certain gender’s incompetence /inability to understand and use technology.

3. Images of men and women cannot be used in promotional material without specifying the exact context in which these images have to be interpreted. For e.g., use of a woman’s face for advertising job openings / recruitment is acceptable only if the woman is an employee of the company, and her name and designation are mentioned on the material.

4. All designs – booth backdrop, print promotional material, videos – are subject to review before final printing and production. This is also explicitly mentioned in the commercial term sheet sent to every sponsor upon confirmation of sponsorship.

5. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualised environment.

Code for Participants:

1. 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.

2. Attendees asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

3. If an attendee engages in behaviour that violates this code of conduct, the conference organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expelling him or her from the premises with no refund.

Thank you for helping make The Fifth Elephant 2015 a welcoming, friendly event for all.