Code of Conduct for Meeting Participants

Purpose:
IAVM is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all meeting participants, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion (or lack thereof). We aim to foster enjoyable, interactive, and professional experience.

Scope:
This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, including attendees, speakers, organizers, volunteers, vendors, and staff, whether formally affiliated with or participating in any capacity at an IAVM sponsored event. It also extends to activities and gatherings organized independently by third parties, such as exhibitors or sponsors, held in conjunction with or in proximity to the organization’s event, even if these are not officially sanctioned by the organization.

Expected Behavior:
All participants are expected to:

  • Maintain Professionalism: Conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy, and respect for others, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Respect Diversity: Recognize and value the diverse backgrounds of other participants, avoiding discriminatory or exclusionary comments and actions.
  • Practice Civility: Engage in respectful dialogue and constructive communication. Inappropriate language, sexual imagery, or behavior that might offend or alienate others is unacceptable.
  • Observe Event Guidelines: Follow all event-specific rules, respect boundaries, and avoid disruptive behavior during presentations or other organized activities.
  • Respect Privacy and Consent: Avoid unwelcome attention, including non-consensual physical contact, intrusive photography, or recording without permission.
  • Adherence to laws: Abide by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the event is being held.
    • Participants Under 21 – All participants under the age of 21 are expected to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including those related to alcohol consumption.

Unacceptable Behavior:
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Harassment, Intimidation, and Discrimination: Any form of harassment, intimidation, or discrimination based on protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, gender, age, race, disability, or sexual orientation.
  • Verbal Abuse and Derogatory Language: Insults, threats, derogatory comments, or defamation. This includes offensive jokes and language that target specific groups or individuals.
  • Inappropriate Conduct: Physical or sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual advances, stalking, following, or behavior that creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
  • Disruptions and Threats: Sustained disruption of talks, events, or gatherings, as well as threats or implied threats of harm, financial, or professional retaliation.
  • Unauthorized Promotional Activity: Posting or distributing unsolicited promotional materials, solicitations, or advertisements without permission from event organizers.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior:
Participants asked to stop any inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately. Violations of this Code may lead to consequences deemed appropriate by our organization, which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Verbal Warning: A formal request to cease the unacceptable behavior.
  • Expulsion from the Event: Immediate removal from the event without refund.
  • Future Disqualification: Exclusion from future events and/or revocation of organization membership, if applicable.
  • Law Enforcement Involvement: Contacting law enforcement if behavior is deemed unlawful.

Reporting Violations:
If you experience or observe a violation of this Code of Conduct, please report it to Rosanne Duke, IAVM Director of Governance/Operations (Rosanne.Duke@iavm.org) or any other IAVM Staff person. IAVM will endeavor to handle reports confidentially and in a manner that works to ensure the safety of all involved. When reporting, please provide as many details as possible to assist in the resolution.

 

Thank you for helping to create a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for all participants.