Event Code of Conduct

NDIA Event Code of Conduct & Harassment Policy

EVENT CODE OF CONDUCT

NDIA’s Event Code of Conduct applies to all National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), National Training & Simulation Association (NTSA), and Women In Defense (WID) meeting-related events, whether in person at public or private facilities, online, or during virtual events. NDIA, NTSA, and WID are committed to providing a productive and welcoming environment for all participants. All participants are expected to abide by this code, as well as NDIA’s ethical principles and practices.

DEFINITIONS

Harassment – behavior that intimidates, torments, disturbs, or threatens a person on any basis including age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, color, disability, national origin, race/ethnicity, religion/creed, or other factors.

Sexual Harassment – any unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Participant(s) – persons including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, guests, exhibitors/vendors, service providers, staff, NDIA leadership, and others involved in the events.

Expected Behavior

  • Treat all participants with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.
  • Be considerate, respectful, and collegial.
  • Communicate with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Avoid personal attacks directed toward other attendees.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of other event attendees and venue/contracted support staff.
  • Alert on-premises security personnel and NDIA staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone clearly in distress.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, NDIA contracted facility, or any other venue associated with an NDIA event.
  • NDIA encourages attendees to follow recommended precautions to prevent transmission of infectious diseases.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Harassment in any form, including bullying, threatening, stalking, intimidation, microaggressions, insinuations or disparaging comments that are hurtful or interfere with any other attendee’s experience.
  • Sexual harassment, including but not limited to, unwanted or inappropriate conduct, unwanted sexual attention, comments, jokes, or advances.
  • Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.
  • Possession of a weapon or any item that can be used as a weapon, which may be used to threaten or cause injury to others if used in a certain manner.
  • Discriminatory jokes and language based on sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, gender identity, religion/creed, national origin or political views.
  • Inappropriate photography or recording, including within the event environment for use on social media, without the prior permission of the individuals or owners of the content therein.
  • Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the event venue, including any destruction or vandalizing of personal or event property and materials.
  • Boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language that disrupt the event, a session, or other formal or event segment in any way.
  • Drinking in an irresponsible manner.
  • Falsely reporting violations of this Code and/or retaliating against another participant for reporting a violation of this Code.

NDIA, ETI, NTSA, and WID reserve the right in its sole discretion to determine what constitutes unacceptable behavior and what actions it will take to address incidents that occur.

CONSEQUENCES FOR UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Participants who are asked to stop their behavior will be expected to comply immediately. If an attendee or participant continues to violate this Code, NDIA, ETI, NTSA, or WID may take whatever actions it deems appropriate, including removal from event without refund, disqualification from attending future events, notification of participant’s employer, or notification of on-premises security or local law enforcement as necessary.

REPORTING UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify NDIA, ETI, NTSA, or WID staff, as soon as possible. All reported concerns will be treated seriously and investigated. All participants are expected to cooperate fully and honestly with any investigation.

HARASSMENT POLICY

NDIA is committed to providing a professional environment free from physical, psychological, and verbal harassment. NDIA will not tolerate harassment of any kind including, but not limited to, harassment based on ethnicity, religion, disability, physical appearance, gender, or sexual orientation. This policy applies to all participants and attendees at NDIA conferences, meetings, and events. Harassment includes offensive gestures and verbal comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, inappropriate photography and recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome attention. Participants requested to cease harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately, and failure will serve as grounds for revoking access to the NDIA event.

NDIA Meetings, Conferences & Events

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