Code of Conduct

Established: November 2023

Anti-Harassment Policy

Harassment includes, but is not limited to: Verbal comments that are considered degrading to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, intelligence, and:

• Sexual images in public spaces
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
• Harassing photography or recording
• Sustained disruption of talks or other events
• Inappropriate physical contact
• The threat of physical harm or violence
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior

Enforcement

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

Exhibitors, sponsors, and vendors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material.

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

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, event organizers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all participants. This includes warning the offender or expulsion from the event (with no refund).

Event organizers may take action to redress anything designed to, or with the clear impact of, disrupting the event or making the environment hostile for any participants.

We expect participants to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities.

Reporting

If someone makes you or anyone else feel unsafe or unwelcome, please report it as soon as possible to someone on the MKEsearch Board of Directors. Harassment and other code of conduct violations reduce the value of our event for everyone. We want you to be happy at our event. People like you make our event a better place.

You can make a personal report by:

• Text messaging this phone number: 414-484-7838.
• This phone number will be continuously monitored for the duration of the event.
• Contacting a staff member.

When taking a personal report, our staff will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event staff to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we'll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we'll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won't be asked to confront anyone and we won't tell anyone who you are.

Our team will be happy to help you contact venue security, local law enforcement, local support services, provide escorts, or otherwise assist you to feel safe for the duration of the event. We value your attendance.

Email: hello@mkedmc.org

MKE DMC Phone number: 414-484-7838

Milwaukee Police: 414-286-CITY

Warnings

Any member of conference staff can issue a verbal warning to a participant that their behavior violates the conference's anti-harassment policy. Warnings should be reported to our Board Members mentioned previously as soon as possible. The report should include:

• Identifying information of the participant
• The time you issued the warning
• The behavior that was in violation
• The approximate time of the behavior (if different than the time of warning)
• The circumstances surrounding the incident
• Your identity (if comfortable)
• Other people involved in the incident
• Any witnesses to the violation

Presentations

Presentations or similar events should not be stopped for one-time gaffes or minor problems, although a member of conference staff will speak to the presenter afterward. MKE DMC staff will take immediate action to politely and calmly stop any presentation or event that repeatedly or seriously violates the anti-harassment policy. Any additional reasoning besides referencing this policy will not be given.

Expulsion

A participant may be expelled by the decision of any of the above listed entities for whatever reasons they deem sufficient. However, here are some general guidelines for when a participant should be expelled:

• A second offense resulting in a warning from staff
• Continuing to harass after any "No" or "Stop" instruction
• A pattern of harassing behavior, with or without warnings
• A single serious offense (discretion given to MKE DMC)
• A single obviously intentional offense
• Any illegal activity performed on the premises of the hosting venue.

Venue security and local authorities may be contacted when appropriate.

Closing

MKE DMC was established to be a fun, educational place for anyone interested in digital marketing. We hope we never have to act on any violation of this policy but will do so for the sake of the community.

This anti-harassment policy is based on the example policy from the Geek Feminism wiki, created by the Ada Initiative and other volunteers.

Thank you to Utah DMC for the referral.