Code of Conduct

Building an inclusive and respectful community

Our Commitment

Automateathon 2025 is committed to providing a harassment-free, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of age, body size, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, level of experience, nationality, personal appearance, race, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.

Expected Behavior

All participants are expected to:

  • Be respectful and considerate in all interactions
  • Use welcoming and inclusive language
  • Respect different viewpoints and experiences
  • Accept constructive criticism gracefully
  • Focus on what is best for the community and event
  • Show empathy towards other participants
  • Help create a positive learning environment
  • Collaborate effectively and share knowledge
  • Respect intellectual property and give proper attribution
  • Follow all venue rules and safety guidelines

Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable:

Harassment and Discrimination

  • Offensive comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
  • Unwelcome sexual attention or advances
  • Inappropriate physical contact without consent
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events

Disruptive Behavior

  • Trolling, insulting, or derogatory comments
  • Public or private harassment
  • Publishing others' private information without permission
  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviors
  • Disrupting presentations, workshops, or networking sessions

Technical Misconduct

  • Plagiarism or claiming others' work as your own
  • Sabotaging other teams' projects or equipment
  • Unauthorized access to systems or networks
  • Violating intellectual property rights
  • Sharing or distributing malicious code

Reporting Guidelines

If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior, please report it immediately:

During the Event

  • Contact any event organizer or volunteer immediately
  • Look for staff wearing "Organizer" badges
  • Use the emergency contact numbers provided at registration

Online Reporting

Email: info@automateathon.com
Subject: Code of Conduct Violation Report

All reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality. We will investigate all complaints and take appropriate action to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Enforcement

Event organizers have the right and responsibility to remove, edit, or reject comments, commits, code, wiki edits, issues, and other contributions that are not aligned with this Code of Conduct.

Consequences

Participants who violate the Code of Conduct may face:

  • Warning: A private, written warning with clarification of the violation
  • Temporary Suspension: Temporary ban from event activities or online platforms
  • Permanent Ban: Permanent exclusion from the event and future events
  • Legal Action: Involvement of law enforcement for serious violations

The severity of consequences will depend on the nature and severity of the violation, as determined by the organizing team.

Inclusive Environment

We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and can participate fully:

  • We provide accessibility accommodations upon request
  • We offer quiet spaces for those who need breaks from social interaction
  • We have diverse mentors and judges representing different backgrounds
  • We encourage teams to be inclusive in their formation and collaboration
  • We provide resources for first-time hackathon participants

Social Media and Photography

When sharing content from the event:

  • Always ask for permission before photographing or recording others
  • Respect "no photos" requests and designated photo-free zones
  • Use appropriate hashtags and tag the official event accounts
  • Avoid sharing sensitive information about projects or participants
  • Report inappropriate content shared by others

Collaboration Guidelines

To foster effective collaboration:

  • Communicate openly and honestly with your team members
  • Respect different skill levels and learning paces
  • Share knowledge and help others learn
  • Give credit where credit is due
  • Be patient with technical difficulties and setbacks
  • Celebrate both individual and team achievements

Health and Safety

Your health and safety are our priority:

  • Follow all venue safety protocols and emergency procedures
  • Take regular breaks and maintain proper hydration
  • Report any safety concerns to event staff immediately
  • Respect personal space and physical boundaries
  • Inform organizers of any medical conditions or accessibility needs

Contact Information

For questions about this Code of Conduct or to report violations:

Email: info@automateathon.com
Emergency Contact: Available at registration desk
Event Staff: Look for "Organizer" badges during the event

Acknowledgment

By participating in Automateathon 2025, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to all event spaces, including online platforms, and extends to all participants, organizers, sponsors, and volunteers.