Events Code of Conduct
At Global Trade Review (GTR), we strive to create professional, respectful, and inclusive environments at all our industry events. Whether on-site at the event venue or at offsite gatherings, we are committed to ensuring that every participant has a safe and enjoyable experience free from discomfort or harm.
This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected at GTR events. It is designed to protect the safety and well-being of all participants, including attendees, speakers, suppliers, and employees. Violations of this policy will be taken seriously and may result in expulsion or banning from current or future events without a refund.
Definitions:
Definition of harassment
Harassment constitutes any unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct based on gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, religion or belief, age, race or disability which affects the dignity of anyone in the workplace or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
A single incident of unwanted or offensive behaviour can amount to harassment.
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment constitutes unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual.
Harassment includes but isn’t limited to:
- physical conduct, ranging from touching, pushing or grabbing to punching or serious assault
- verbal or written harassment through jokes, offensive language, defamatory remarks, gossip, threats or letters
- unwelcome sexual behaviour, including unwanted suggestions, propositions or advances
- the sending or displaying of material that is pornographic or obscene, including e-mails, text messages, video clips, photographs, posters, emblems or any other offensive material
- inappropriate posts or comments on or via social media commonly known as “cyber bullying”
- isolation, non-cooperation at work or exclusion from social activities
- coercion, including pressure for sexual favours
- inappropriate personal contact, including intrusion by pestering or spying
- persistent suggestions to meet up socially after a person has made clear that they do not welcome such suggestions
- offensive comments about appearance or dress, innuendo or lewd comments
- making sexually suggestive gestures
- spreading gossip and speculation about a person’s sexual orientation or status, including the spreading of rumours
Consequences
Participants who are asked to stop harassing behaviour are expected to do so immediately.
Participants engaging in harassing behaviour will be asked to leave an event and may be banned temporarily or indefinitely. Their place of employment may also be contacted.
Reporting
If you are being harassed, made to feel unsafe/unwelcome or notice someone else being harassed, please report it as soon as possible.
At in-person events: Speak to a GTR staff member. They will be stationed at the registration desk and throughout the event space.
Email: complaints@gtreview.com
Reporting & enforcement process
Incident reports can be taken in a safe private space at events or in a personal and direct message online:
- The reporter informs the GTR team either in-person or via email
- Incident responders investigate with the reported person
- The incident response team reconvenes to discuss an appropriate response
- Appropriate action is taken
- Incident responders follow up with the reporter and the reported person
- The community is informed if necessary
- A debrief takes place internally post-event to discuss any further changes needed for future events
This Code of Conduct reflects best practices from the events and conference industry and demonstrates GTR’s commitment to a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for all participants.