Effective date: Saturday, March 15th, 2025
1. Purpose
SecretCon is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful, and harassment-free conference experience for all participants, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other protected status. We expect all attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and anyone else present at SecretCon events (“participants”) to treat others with the highest level of professionalism and respect. We expect you to treat our events with respect “honor amongst thieves” and focus on the mission of elevating our community.
2. Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to all SecretCon venues—physical or virtual—including conference sessions, workshops, presentations, social events, online forums, and any other activities hosted, sponsored, or affiliated with SecretCon. Participants are responsible for knowing and abiding by these rules.
3. Expected Behavior
Professionalism and Respect
- Be considerate and respectful of all participants, regardless of their background or perspective.
- The staff running registration desk, working with badges or swag, or security will be treated with extreme respect, stay calm, they run this show.
- The venue security is here to ensure we are all safe. Please don’t mess with them.
- Vendors don’t completely understand our ways, don’t ask them for their electronic badges, even if it is consensual.
- Choose your words carefully; be mindful of how what you say or do might be perceived by others.
- If asked to stop a specific behavior—verbal or otherwise—comply immediately and respectfully.
- Do not remove anything from tables (Vendor, Merch, Registration, or Ward) if the value of the item is clearly not swag or marketing materials (value under $5). Items over $5 may be handed/gifted to you or give you a verbal okay. Otherwise, it’s theft.
- We get you can easily social engineer / “Steal” at our event – If it is in good fun, properly and timely disclosed, and the return of any value DURING the event, we’ll consider it a bug bounty and may even reward you. Otherwise, it’s theft.
Collaboration and Inclusivity
- Encourage open, honest, and constructive discussions.
- Value a diversity of viewpoints and experiences; be open to hearing ideas that differ from your own.
Responsible Use of Language and Imagery
- While some profanity and satirical or comedic sexual language/imagery may be permissible in limited contexts, be aware that most sexual or profane content is not appropriate for conference talks, presentations, or materials.
- When in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose respectful language and imagery.
4. Unacceptable Behavior
SecretCon does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
Harassment and Discrimination
- Offensive verbal comments or imagery related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.
- Hate speech or degrading language directed at a person or group.
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events.
Unwelcome Sexual Attention (Find a date elsewhere, not a technology con)
- Inappropriate or unwanted touching, sexual remarks, or sexual advances.
- Repeated and unwelcome sexual or romantic solicitations.
Disruptive Behavior
- Behaviors that interfere with the ability of others to participate fully in the conference.
- Abusive, threatening, or harmful behavior directed at others.
Mistreatment of Staff or Volunteers
- Any form of verbal or physical abuse toward registration staff, volunteers, or organizers.
- Treating registration staff poorly, including verbally harassing or aggressively confronting them, will result in removal from the venue.
Retaliation
- Retaliation against any participant who files a complaint or reports a violation of this Code of Conduct is strictly prohibited.
5. Reporting Unacceptable Behavior
- If you are subjected to or witness any conduct that violates this Code of Conduct, or if you have related concerns, please contact a SecretCon organizer, registration desk, or staff member immediately.
- If you are unsure whether the incident is a violation, we still encourage you to report it. We prefer to know about the situation sooner rather than later so it can be addressed promptly.
6. Enforcement
Discretion of Organizers
- Conference organizers have the sole discretion to determine what behavior is unacceptable and to decide on appropriate sanctions.
Sanctions
- Participants who are asked to stop any harassing or unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately.
- Organizers may take any action deemed appropriate, including issuing warnings, expelling the offender from the conference (without refund), and/or involving local law enforcement if necessary.
- Participants who mistreat registration staff, volunteers, or organizers may be removed from the venue immediately.
Final Authority
- The conference organizers’ decisions are final in all matters related to the enforcement of this Code of Conduct.
- Organizers also reserve the right to refuse entry or remove any participant at any time if deemed necessary to protect the safety and well-being of others.
- The venue or the organizer may even call the police, seriously, don’t fucking push it and make things a safety issue.
7. Additional Notes for Wisconsin Events
- Compliance with Local Laws: All participants must comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws, including those related to venue regulations, health and safety, and personal conduct.
- Alcohol & Other Substances: Where alcohol is served or present, participants are expected to drink responsibly and follow venue rules and state law. Illegal drug use or visibly impaired behavior caused by substance use will not be tolerated.
8. Contact Information
- On-Site Contact: A designated team of organizers and volunteers will be available on-site. You can identify them behind the registration desk or the individuals there can direct you to one.
- Off-Site or Post-Event Reporting: If you wish to report an issue after the event, you can use the contract us form on our website or call 612-666-0000
- Emergency Services: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact local law enforcement.
9. Acceptance
By participating in SecretCon, you agree to follow and uphold this Code of Conduct. Thank you for helping make SecretCon a respectful, safe, and positive experience for everyone.
*Everything on any page of SecretCon is subject to change, you know, without notice. Read it every time 😛
