A Friendly, Safe, and Welcoming Environment

To provide in-person, virtual, and hybrid spaces that support a positive learning environment and encourage the exchange of ideas, the Pennsylvania Technology Accelerator Team asks all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers to follow the event code of conduct below.

This code of conduct outlines expectations for participant behavior as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior. We are committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all.

Expected Behavior

• Be Considerate and Respectful: Be nice to everyone. Welcome all and make them feel included.
• Act Professionally: Be polite, friendly, and collaborative.
• Participate Together: Join in the activities and talks. Listen to others and consider their ideas. Be open to suggestions and helpful comments.
• Follow the Rules of the Place: Obey the rules set by the event location. Take care of the property and the things we use.
• Be Mindful of Fellow Participants: Alert conference organizers if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.

Unacceptable Behavior

• Language: Refrain from using foul, hurtful, demeaning, discriminatory, or incendiary language.
• Inappropriate Content: Do not provide images or links that lead to inappropriate sources or misleading/off-topic materials. Shared media cannot be indecent in nature, nor may it depict violence or drug use.
• Harassment: Refrain from all forms of verbal harassment and disruptive conduct. Harassment includes: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate contact; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images and links in public spaces (including presentation slides and virtual event text chat); and unwelcome sexual attention.
• Personal Information: Do not share anyone's personal information without their permission, including full name, address, workplace, phone number, or email address.
• Virtual Spaces: Do not spam the chat or Q&A with repetitive or unrelated content, including promotional information or advertising. All actions and images in view of webcams should remain appropriate.

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

It is at the discretion of Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator staff to ensure adherence to the code of conduct. Breaking the above expectations may result in a warning or being asked to leave the event. Staff may alert campus security for assistance.

If You Witness or Are Subject To Unacceptable Behavior

If you are subject to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subject to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify an event organizer or volunteer as soon as possible.

At the PA Tech Summit: Look for people wearing a Tech Accelerator Staff button in the event spaces, at the registration table, or coat room, or find a moderator in a session room. Tell them about your concerns.