Code of Conduct for ICMA Sponsored Events

All ICMA meetings and events participants – including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, ICMA staff, members of the media, vendors, and service providers (hereinafter “participants”) – are expected to abide by this ICMA Code of Conduct for ICMA Events.

ICMA values different perspectives , expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences reflected among members, and is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment for all participants of ICMA meetings and events. This Code of Conduct is intended to create an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all participants.

This Code of Conduct applies in all venues, including ancillary events and social gatherings, as well as online forums, discussions, and social media associated with ICMA events.

Expected Behavior

  • Treat all participants with kindness, respect and consideration, valuing different views and opinions (including those you may not share).
  • Communicate openly, with respect for other participants, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
  • Demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech directed toward other participants will not be tolerated.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert ICMA staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
  • Respect the rules and policies of the meeting venue, hotels, ICMA-contracted facility, or any other venue, including the digital platform for ICMA conferences and events.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Participants should treat people fairly, with dignity and respect and should not engage in, or condone bullying behavior, harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, religion, veteran’s status, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
  • Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

Physical or verbal abuse of any participant

Unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or exclusionary behavior related to age, appearance or body size, employment or military status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, individual lifestyle, marital status, national origin, physical or cognitive ability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, race, or religion

Inappropriate physical contact

Unwanted sexual attention

Use of sexual or discriminatory images in public, in digital spaces or in presentations

Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following

Harassing photography or recording, including taking photographs or recording of another individual’s oral presentation without the explicit permission of that individual and of ICMA

Sustained disruption of talks or other events

Bullying behavior

Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

  • If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior, have witnessed any such behavior, or have other concerns, please notify an ICMA staff member as soon as possible and he/she will work with appropriate ICMA leadership to resolve the situation.  All reports will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.
  • Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent that it does not compromise the rights of others.

Consequences

  • Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
  • ICMA staff (or their designee), security, and/or law enforcement may take any immediate action deemed necessary and appropriate, including removal from the meeting or digital event without advance warning or refund and/or prohibit registration for a future ICMA event.