FMI Event Code of Conduct

Posted On: May 31, 2024 | Effective Date: May 31, 2024

All attendees, speakers, sponsors, vendors, partners, FMI staff and volunteers at the meeting and its events are required to adhere to the following Code of Conduct. Event organizers will enforce this Code throughout the event.

Our aim in hosting FMI meetings is to build a stronger community and create an environment where everyone feels welcome to participate, speak up, ask questions, and engage in conversation. This requires a harassment free and inclusive environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every participant. We invite all those who participate in FMI meetings to help us create a safe and positive experiences for everyone.

We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, or religion (or lack thereof). We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate during any aspect of the event/conference, including talks, workshops, parties, social media such as X (formerly know as Twitter), or other online media.

Following a Code of Conduct allows FMI to create the best experience possible for all attendees.

Expected Behavior:

• Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
• Attempt collaboration before conflict.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert FMI staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

Unacceptable Behavior:  

• Harassment and discrimination include any verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, race, age, national origin, or disability.
• Inappropriate display, sharing or use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides)
• Any physical or verbal intimidation, stalking or following of attendee(s).
• Harassing, photographing or recording of attendee(s).
• -Sustained disruption of sessions, talks or other events.
• Inappropriate physical contact, and any unwelcome sexual attention (physical or verbal).
• Excessive alcohol consumption or illicit drug use.
• Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, threatening, intimidation, coercion, use of sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.

This Code provides general guidelines and cannot cover every possible type of unacceptable behavior. While at FMI-sponsored meetings or any of its related events, no participant should engage in harassment in any form.

Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the meeting and its events without a refund at the discretion of FMI. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. FMI retains the right to take any actions necessary to ensure the event is a welcoming environment for all.

Reporting an Incident:

If you see, overhear or experience a violation of the Code of Conduct during an event, please seek out the nearest FMI team member to escalate your complaint.

Reporting Violations of This Policy:   

If you have a complaint or concern about harassment, discrimination, bullying or any other conduct which may violate the FMI Code of Conduct, we encourage you to tell an FMI event staff member, FMI security personnel or conference facility security personnel immediately.

Please remember that notifying FMI staff or security does not constitute or replace notification to local law enforcement.  This Code of Conduct does not replace rules posted by conference facility, official conference hotels or any rules that are part of FMI’s contracts with its vendors, exhibitors and/or sponsors.