Healthcare Advocate Summit Code of Conduct

Introduction

The core value of the Healthcare Advocate Summit is the free exchange of ideas in an environment that celebrates the freedom of thought and expression. The Healthcare Advocate Summit organizers, in collaboration with the CHCAO member organizations, strive to create an inclusive, accessible, and positive experience, ensuring equity for all participants.

 Core Principles

  1. Inclusivity & Equity: We champion a diverse participant body, embracing individuals irrespective of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical appearance, religious affiliation, marital status, differing abilities, medical conditions, or technology preferences.

  2. Mutual Respect: All attendees are expected to engage with one another in a spirit of community and mutual respect. We all deserve an experience free from discrimination, harassment, or condescension, whether overt or subtle.

  3. Unacceptable Behavior: Unacceptable behavior includes any rude, intimidating, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, demeaning, violent or harassing conduct, whether verbal or physical. Harassing conduct includes all forms of offensive, intrusive, repeated unwanted attention, interruption, interruptive or abusive verbal engagement, stalking or following, sustained disruption of talks, presentations, meetings, or other events.

The Summit expressly forbids: 

  • Verbal derogatory remarks, bullying, or demeaning comments.

  • Aggressively interrupting or derailing discussions or presentations.

  • Inappropriate or unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or physical contact.

  • Threatening, stalking, or deliberately intimidating behavior, both in-person and online.

  • Displaying or sharing offensive sexual, racist, or discriminatory materials.

  • Holding oneself out as possessing nonexistent or expired credentials

  • Any improper or unwelcome conduct that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offense, discomfort, distress, or humiliation to another person.

  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviors.

 

Expectations for Active Participation

Attendees are encouraged to:

  • Politely intervene or speak up when encountering or experiencing behavior contrary to this Code.

  • Educate themselves and others about this Code of Conduct.

  • Comply immediately if asked to cease any behavior deemed inappropriate or harmful.

Reporting Mechanisms & Actions

If you encounter behavior breaching this code:

  •  Immediately report to the conference organizers.

  • Depending on the severity and nature of the violation, organizers may issue warnings, enforce temporary bans, or expel individuals without a refund.

Scope and Application

This Code of Conduct applies to all attendees, staff, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and other participants at every Summit-related event, including social events and online platforms associated with the Summit.

Commitment to Respect

By attending the Healthcare Advocate Summit, you are committing to fostering a collaborative and respectful atmosphere. Your proactive engagement and adherence to this Code of Conduct will ensure a fulfilling, enriching, and safe experience for everyone.

Termination of Privileges

The Company reserves the right to refuse entry by any attendee or participant or to remove any attendee or participant from event premises or block them from an online event platform without any liability for any reason and at its sole discretion.