Destination Canada (“DC” or “we”) produces, hosts and leads on its own and through its partners and suppliers, conferences, trade shows, networking events, symposia and other programming in the form of live in-person events and live virtual events, in Canada and internationally (“Events”).
DC is committed to hosting and attending Events where everyone can participate in an inclusive, respectful and safe environment. The Code is aligned with DC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and reconciliation.
All participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, suppliers, partners, organizers and volunteers or delegates of any of the foregoing, are required to comply with this Code at all Events and related activities. (“Participants” or “You”)
DC’s Privacy Policy (the “Privacy Policy”), located here, governs the collection, use and disclosure of Participants’ personal information and is incorporated into this Code by reference.
Acceptance of Terms. Events are made available to Participants subject to their acceptance of this Code. The terms of the Code are included in the registration for an Event. Attendance at the Event by a Participant constitutes acceptance of this Code.
Despite the foregoing, DC reserves the right to update or make changes to this Code from time to time and may provide you with notice of such changes by any reasonable means, including without limitation, by posting the revised version of this Code on DC’s Event Website.
Your attendance and participation in Event(s) following changes to this Code will constitute your acceptance of those changes. Please read the following carefully as it governs attendance and participation in the Events.
BY ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENTS, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS CODE (as amended from time to time) as follows:
Expected Conduct of all Participants
As required under this Code you agree to:
- Professionalism:
- Contribute to a professional atmosphere.
- Treat everyone with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions. You have been welcomed to this Event in a spirit of curiosity, friendliness, open-mindedness and respect. DC will not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form.
- Respect the opinions and ideas of others, even if they differ from your own.
- Communicate openly, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
- Respect, where applicable, the confidential nature of information which is provided or presented at the Event and designated as confidential or subject to limited distribution by a speaker, DC staff or Event organizer.
- Collaboration: Encourage a collaborative and supportive environment for networking and learning.
- Respect:
- Be kind and polite to others and do not insult or put down other Participants or DC staff. Should you wish to provide comment about an Event, Event feedback forms will be available from DC Staff.
- Respect the boundaries of other attendees.
- Social Norms: Be mindful of social norms related to professional behavior, networking and interpersonal interactions in the specific country or region where the Event is held.
Use discretion when hugging or hand-shaking—; take your cue from the person you are greeting
- Health and Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and report any safety concerns to the Event organizers or DC staff immediately. Follow Event health and safety guidelines. . Follow all emergency procedures.
- Alcohol and Substance Use: Consume legal substances responsibly and in accordance with Event policies. The use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited.
- Laws: Abide by all local, provincial, state, and federal laws and regulations during the Event.
Unacceptable Conduct and Behaviours
The following behaviours do not belong at a DC Event:
- Behaviours that contradict Expected Conduct.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol or other legal substances.
- Offensive verbal or written comments or non-verbal gestures related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin or religion.
- Inappropriate use of sexual language, nudity, and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations.
- Aggressive behaviour, whether spoken, written or physical, including deliberate intimidation, bullying or discrimination.
- Photography or recording without consent.
- Sustained disruption of talks or other content or presentations.
- Ignoring health or safety guidelines that place yourself or others at risk.
- Homophobia, racism or behaviour that discriminates against a group or class of people.
- Sexual harassment of any kind, including unwelcome sexual attention (spoken or written) and inappropriate physical contact.
Enforcement
- DC Staff and/or Event organizers will enforce the Code throughout the Event to ensure a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
- Participants who are asked to stop any inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour(s) are expected to comply immediately. Anyone violating these rules may be asked to leave the Event at the sole discretion of DC staff or Event organizers, without a refund of any fees and charges. Where necessary, DC staff or Event staff may report inappropriate behaviour to the appropriate authorities.
