The PIE prides itself on creating an inclusive community, where everyone feels welcome to engage and participate in open discussion. We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference and networking experience for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, nationality or religion. All participants, speakers, sponsors and staff are required to abide by our code of conduct when attending our events, both online and in-person. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form and sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any part of our events, including talks. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference at the discretion of the conference organisers. What do we mean by “harassment”? Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

-Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neurotype, physical appearance, body size, race, age, nationality, religion or belief, marital and civil partnership status, pregnancy or carer or parental status, familial status, veteran status, citizenship

-Verbal comments that reinforce social structures of domination – related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion and others

-Deliberate misgendering -Sexual images in public spaces

-Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following

-Harassing photography or recording -Sustained disruption of talks or other events

-Inappropriate physical contact

-Physical contact without consent or after a request to cease

-Unwelcome sexual attention

-Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease

-Repeated unsolicited sales and promotional messages

-Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviour 

-Enforcement

Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to do so immediately. If a participant engages in harassing behaviour, we reserve 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 or online space and may be banned temporarily or indefinitely. If a ticket was purchased for an in-person or online event, we reserve the right not to issue a refund. We expect all participants to follow this code of conduct at all event venues and event-related social activities. Reporting 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. If you are being harassed, made to feel unsafe/unwelcome or notice someone else being harassed, please report it as soon as possible. The PIE staff can be identified by their pink shirts and can be found throughout the event and on the registration desk. Or you can make a report via email to clare@thepienews.com or WhatsApp/phone on +44 (0)7880 541691. 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 hotel/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.

This policy is a living document and is subject to refinement and updates in the future. Last updated July 2023.