Code of Conduct

AIEC is dedicated to providing a safe, friendly, enjoyable and harassment-free event experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, nationality, race, age or religion. 

We do not tolerate harassment of or offensive behaviour towards conference participants in any form. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate physical contact, sexual attention or innuendo, deliberate intimidation, stalking, offensive comments and photography or recording of an individual without consent.  

We expect all participants (including registrants, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and vendors) at all AIEC events to abide by the code of conduct at all AIEC activities, whether online or virtual events or in a physical space, including related social events, online communications such as emails, social media and app communications and participation.

Participants who are asked to stop any such behaviour are expected to comply immediately. 

Dos and don’ts

We ask that you:

  • be kind, considerate and respectful to others; 
  • behave professionally; 
  • be mindful that all communication be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds;
  • if you are a speaker, be cognizant of potentially offensive actions, language, or imagery and consider whether it is necessary to convey your message. If you do decide to include it, we ask that you warn the audience, at the beginning of the talk, and provide them with the opportunity to leave the room to avoid seeing or hearing the material.
  • if it is safe to do so, we encourage you to request that the person stop the unwelcome or harassing behaviour.

We ask that you:

  • do not take part in offensive behaviour or harassment, including sexist, racist or exclusionary comments or jokes; 
  • do not use sexual or sexist language and imagery; 
  • do not solicit business whether as an exhibitor or non-exhibitor, in session rooms, public areas, exhibition hall open spaces or in another exhibitor's booth 
  • do not use the conference app to spam delegates through inappropriate inbox messaging or in the 'session comments' section; 
  • do not use or possess illegal substances or weapons. 

Reporting an incident

At a physical event: 

If, while at AIEC, you have been involved in or have witnessed an incident that violates the Code of Conduct, you may report the incident directly to the Registration Desk.

If you are at an AIEC official social event, you may speak to the Conference Organiser or security. 

If the matter is urgent and the Registration Desk is closed, you contact the Conference Manager.

At an online/virtual event: 

If, you have witnessed an incident online (for example, at an online event or social media) that violates the Code of Conduct, you may report the incident directly to the Conference Manager.

Investigating an incident

IDP is committed to investigating all incidents reported at an event with discretion and confidentiality, all parties will be treated fairly and reasonably. Conference participants found to violate these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the Conference without a refund and/or banned from attending future events. The behaviour may also be reported to their employer and relevant authorities.

This code of conduct is a live document and subject to ongoing amendment. Your feedback is welcome. 

This page was last updated on 14 September 2020.

Key dates

21 March - Call for proposals opens

12 April - Call for proposals closes

30 May - Registration open

August - Program released

31 July - Super early bird registration closes

13 September - Early bird registration closes

22–25 October – AIEC 2024