QCon & InfoQ Code of Conduct

Harassment includes but is not limited, to:

• Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neurotype, physical appearance, clothing, body size, race, age, nationality, political opinion, religion or belief, marital and civil partnership status, pregnancy or career or parental status, familial status, veteran status, citizenship, as they can be offensive and could constitute harassment
• Homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, racist, or misogynist slurs or comments
• Deliberate misgendering
• Threats or acts of violence or intimidation
• Unwelcome sexual attention
• Sharing/displaying sexual or sexualized images
• Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent
• Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity for harassment purposes
• Sustained disruption of a discussion
• Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviors
• Repeated and/or excessive profanity

In addition, we strongly discourage statements and comments regarding:

• Politics, politicians, political affiliations, elections, wars, military conflicts, or similar
• A person’s lifestyle choices and practices, including those related to food, health, parenting, drugs, and employment

These types of comments can be offensive and could constitute harassment.

In-Person Conference Guidelines (QCon)

The following applies specifically to in-person QCon conference participation:

• Wear your badge visibly at all times during the event. Do not share, lend, or transfer your badge to another person.
• Be mindful of physical space and personal boundaries, respect others' personal space and comfort in shared areas, hallways, sessions, and social events.
• Harassing or unwanted photography of other attendees is strictly prohibited. Always ask for consent before photographing or filming other participants.
• Any physical conduct that makes another person feel unsafe or uncomfortable, including unwanted touching, will be treated as a serious violation.
• Alcohol may be available at social events. Intoxication is not an excuse for violating this Code of Conduct.

Reporting a Violation at QCon

If you are being harassed, made to feel unsafe or unwelcome, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please report it as soon as possible to one of the QCon staff members at the Info Desk or send us an email to info@qconferences.com. The event leadership team will address the situation.

Whilst you may, of course, post your complaint on social media, we would prefer that you give QCon a chance to resolve this issue at a personal level first. Addressing sensitive issues like these in-person is generally faster and is also ultimately more effective.

Online Program Guidelines (InfoQ)

The following applies specifically to participation in InfoQ online programs, which take place via Zoom, Slack, Google Docs, and related platforms.

Confidentiality

• The insights you gain during peer group sessions are meant to travel: take them back to your organization and use them to inform decisions. What must stay in the room is attribution and identity, so never share stories, data, or specifics disclosed by other participants in a way that reveals who said it or which company it concerns without their explicit prior consent. If you're unsure whether something can be re-shared, use your best judgment and ask the person who shared it.
• This confidentiality obligation extends to all program platforms, including Zoom sessions, Slack channels, and shared documents.

Recording and Screenshots

• Recording sessions, whether via Zoom's built-in recording, screen capture tools, or any other method, is not permitted without explicit prior authorization from the organizers.
• Screenshots are permitted only of slides or content presented by the facilitator or official program materials, and only when no other participant's personal information, face, or contributions are visible.
• Screenshots that capture other participants' video feeds, names, personal data, shared documents, or contributions are not permitted without the explicit consent of those individuals.

Platform Conduct

• Treat all interactions on Slack, Google Docs, Zoom chat, and any other program platform with the same professionalism and respect expected in live sessions.
• Do not share program materials, documents, or resources outside of the cohort or with non-participants. Program content is intended solely for enrolled participants.
• Be present and engaged during sessions. Avoid multitasking, leaving your camera off for extended periods without notice, or engaging in side conversations.
• Mute your microphone when not speaking to minimize disruption, and ensure your environment is appropriate for a professional learning setting.
• Impersonating another participant, facilitator, or staff on any platform is strictly prohibited.

Shared Documents and Collaboration Tools

• Treat content shared in Google Docs, or boards, or other collaborative tools with the same confidentiality as live session discussions.
• Do not edit, delete, or alter contributions made by other participants without their consent.

Reporting a Violation in InfoQ Online Programs

If you are being harassed, made to feel unsafe or unwelcome, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact your program facilitator directly or reach out to the InfoQ team via Slack or by email at certification@qconferences.com. The team will address the situation promptly.

Our Commitment

The QCon and InfoQ teams are committed to supporting every participant in feeling safe, respected, and included. We designed these experiences as spaces where everyone feels free to express themselves, learn, and succeed in adopting new technologies and practices that drive change and innovation. We value your participation.

This Code of Conduct is a living document and subject to updates. Last updated: July 2026.