AIAS

Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

AIAS believes our community should be truly open for everyone. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, or religion.

This code of conduct outlines our expectations for participant behavior as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

We invite all sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, media, exhibitors, awards panelists, Academy members, and other participants to help us realize a safe and positive experience for everyone.

All determinations of appropriate or inappropriate behavior are in AIAS's sole discretion and the decision(s) of the AIAS representatives will be final. 

2. Expected Behavior

  • Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.

  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.

  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert an AIAS representative if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.

3. Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning conduct by any participant of any related AIAS activities. 

Harassment includes: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Wearing clothing that is not suitable for a professional work environment, that is provocative, or otherwise potentially offensive.

Physical, written, verbal or other abuse, intimidation, threats, annoyance, harassment, stalking, pushing, shoving or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person, which in any way creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous, or creates apprehension in a person, as determined by the AIAS and its show management, in their sole discretion.

Possession of any item that can be used as a weapon, which may cause danger to others if used in a certain manner.

Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behavior or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious, gender, or ethnic slurs.

Assembling for the purpose of, or resulting in, disturbing the peace, or committing any unlawful act or engaging in any offensive behavior.

Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the Venue.

4. Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated whether by other attendees, media, speakers, volunteers, organizers, venue staff, sponsors, awards panelists, members, or exhibitors.

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

If a person engages in unacceptable behavior, the AIAS  representative may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion  without warning or refund.

5. What to Do 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 the AIAS as soon as possible. All reports will remain completely confidential. 

During a live event,  the AIAS team will be available to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, to provide escorts, or to otherwise assist those experiencing unacceptable behavior to feel safe for the duration of the event. You can report unacceptable behavior to any member of staff. Staff can be found in the Show Office onsite or you may email one of the contacts here.

6. Scope

We expect all participants (sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, awards panelists, Academy members, and other guests) to abide by this code of conduct at all AIAS events and Academy-related activities. .

7. Contact Information

Meggan Scavio, [email protected]

8. License and Attribution

The above policies may be revised at any time by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences and are non-negotiable. This Code of Conduct is without prejudice to Academy of Interactive Arts & Science’s rights, all of which it expressly reserves.