Code of Conduct
📅 October 23-25, 2026 | 📍 Huntsville, Alabama
Rocket City Reason is committed to fostering a fun, welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually engaging conference experience. All participants — attendees, speakers, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, and media — are expected to follow this Code of Conduct at conference venues, official events, and in all conference-related communications.
We are dedicated to creating an environment where reasoned discussion, evidence-based dialogue, and respectful disagreement can flourish without any form of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
Purchase of a ticket and attendance at Rocket City Reason events constitutes your agreement to follow this Code of Conduct at conference venues, official events, and in all conference-related communications and participate in and/or respond to inquiries related to any potential investigation.
Behavior Standards
Expected Behavior
- Treat all individuals with respect, courtesy, and professionalism
- Engage in debate and disagreement without personal attacks
- Be mindful of how words and actions may impact others
- Respect conference staff and volunteer instructions
- Help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone
- Obtain consent before photographing or recording in non-public settings — Be mindful not to photograph attendees wearing HOT PINK Rocket City Reason lanyards.
Unacceptable behavior
Rocket City Reason does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Harassment based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, political belief, physical appearance, or body size
- Verbal abuse, slurs, or derogatory language.
- Personal attacks or sustained disruption of talks or discussions
- Unwelcome sexual attention, sexualized language, or imagery in conference spaces
- Intimidation, stalking, or following
- Harassing photography or recording
- Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact
- Retaliation against individuals who report misconduct
Participants asked to stop inappropriate behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Definitions
Consent
Clear, voluntary, sober, and informed agreement to an interaction or activity. Silence or lack of resistance does not imply consent. Consent can be revoked at any time.
Harassment
Unwelcome conduct — verbal, physical, or visual — that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or that interferes with a participant’s ability to engage in the conference.
Discrimination
Unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, disability, or other personal attributes.
Intimidation
Behavior that threatens, coerces, or deliberately causes fear in another person.
Sustained disruption
Repeated interruption of speakers or events after being asked to stop, or behavior that prevents others from participating.
Retaliation
Adverse action taken against someone for reporting a concern or participating in an investigation.
Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to:
- All conference sessions, panels, keynotes, and social events on-site
- Official social events and off-site gatherings organized by Rocket City Reason
- After-hours interactions at the conference venue hotel throughout the event
- Conference-sponsored online spaces and social media
- Direct communications between participants during the event
Reporting a concern
If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it as soon as possible.
What to include in a report
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Description of the incident What happened, in as much detail as you can provide
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Date, time, and location When and where the incident occurred
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People involved Names or identifying details of those involved
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Supporting documentation Photos, screenshots, messages, or other evidence
Our Commitment
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Handled confidentially Reports are shared only with those who need to know in order to respond
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Addressed promptly Every report is reviewed as quickly as possible — we take all concerns seriously
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Treated with respect You will be heard without judgment — your safety and comfort come first
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No retaliation Anyone who reports in good faith is protected — retaliation is itself a violation of this policy
Find staff on-site
Speak with any staff or volunteer wearing a YELLOW lanyard, or visit the Registration / Info Desk
Email us
rocketcityreason
(Monitored before, during, and after)
Emergency
If in immediate danger, contact local emergency services: dial 911
Consequences of violations
Participants who violate this Code of Conduct may face actions including, but not limited to:
Verbal warning
Private conversation
Session removal
Removed from specific session
Expulsion
No refund issued
Future ban
Prohibited from attending future events
Organizers reserve the right to determine appropriate action based on the severity and circumstances of the violation.
Our Commitment
Rocket City Reason is committed to maintaining a conference environment where participants can engage with one another openly — and respectfully — without fear of harassment or discrimination. We appreciate your cooperation in helping make Rocket City Reason a welcoming space for all.
Our 2026 Sponsors
Thank you to the organizations and individuals who make Rocket City Reason possible.
