SUGSA Code of Conduct

All attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers at our conference and meetups are required to agree with the following code of conduct.

Organisers will enforce this code throughout all events. We expect cooperation from all participants to ensure a safe environment for everybody.

Need Help?

At the conference, when in-person, you’ll be able to find us easily – we’re the ones wearing matching shirts showing the SUGSA logo. At Meetups and virtual events, we will identify committee members who you can reach out to in the event of a violation of this Code of Conduct. In addition, you can email us any questions or feedback at info@sugsa.org.za, or reach out to a committee member directly on Slack.

The Short Version

Our organisation is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference and Meetup experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion (or lack thereof).

We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter, or other online media.

Participants and members violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from SUGSA without a refund (where applicable) at the discretion of the organisers.

The Slightly-Less-Short Version

SUGSA strives to maintain a respectful conference and Meetups every year. We encourage people to network at our events, please uphold our code of conduct with regards to harassment while networking or opportunity-seeking.

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, age, 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.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

Sponsors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, sponsors should not use sexualised images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualised clothing/uniforms /costumes or otherwise create a sexualised environment.

If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, the organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the conference or Meetup with no refund (where applicable).

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the SUGSA committee immediately. SUGSA committee members can be identified as they’ll be wearing matching shirts with the SUGSA logo on at in-person conferences. At Meetups and virtual events, they will be pointed out.

SUGSA committee members will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security, or local police, accompany, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference. We value your attendance and we value you having a world-class, completely enjoyable experience.

We expect participants to follow these rules at conference and Meetup venues, workshop venues and all related social events.

Code of conduct derived from the Conference Code of Conduct.