House Rules – ESCAP 2025

1. General Conduct

1.1 All attendees are expected to behave in a respectful and professional manner at all times.
1.2 Discrimination, harassment, or any form of offensive behavior based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic will not be tolerated.
1.3 Ensure that your behavior fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.

2. Sexual Harassment and Misconduct

2.1 The ESCAP Congress maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual harassment or any form of sexual misconduct. This includes:

2.1.1 Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
2.1.2 Offensive or inappropriate comments about a person’s body, clothing, or appearance.
2.1.3 Unwanted physical contact or proximity, including touching, hugging, or brushing up against someone without their explicit consent.

2.2 If you experience or witness any inappropriate behavior, report it immediately to congress staff or security. Reports will be taken seriously, and confidentiality will be respected where possible.

2.3 Any person found engaging in sexual harassment or misconduct will be subject to immediate removal from the congress without refund, and may also face legal consequences.

3. Identification and Badges

3.1 Badges provided at registration must be worn visibly at all times during congress events, including sessions, social events, and exhibitions.
3.2 Misuse of badges (e.g., sharing or transferring to other individuals) is prohibited.

4. Session Etiquette

4.1 Please arrive on time for sessions and limit disruptions by keeping movement and noise to a minimum once a session has begun.
4.2 Mobile phones and other electronic devices must be silenced during all presentations and discussions.
4.3 Questions during sessions should be respectful, relevant to the topic, and posed through the appropriate channels (e.g., a Q&A session).

5. Privacy and Recording

5.1 Photographing, recording, or live-streaming presentations without the prior permission of the speaker and organizers is not allowed.
5.2 Attendees must respect the privacy and consent of other participants before taking photos or videos in any public spaces during the congress.

6. Social Media Use

6.1 Social media engagement is encouraged, but it must adhere to the values of professionalism and respect for others.
6.2 Refrain from sharing confidential or sensitive information shared during sessions unless explicitly stated by the presenter.
6.3 When posting on social media, avoid misrepresenting the content or opinions of speakers or other attendees.

7. Exhibitor and Vendor Guidelines

7.1 Exhibitors must adhere to the congress’s policies regarding setup, interaction with attendees, and promotional material distribution.
7.2 All promotional materials must be distributed within the designated exhibition areas and in a respectful manner.
7.3 Attendees should engage with vendors and exhibitors in a courteous and professional way.

8. Alcohol and Substance Use

8.1 The responsible consumption of alcohol is expected during any official social events of the congress.
8.2 Sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior under the influence of alcohol will be taken just as seriously as sober conduct.
8.3 Illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Anyone found using or distributing such substances will be immediately removed from the event and reported to local authorities.

9. Health and Safety

9.1 In case of emergencies, attendees must follow the instructions of the event staff and local authorities.
9.2 Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits, first aid stations, and other safety information upon arrival.
9.3 If you feel unwell or witness someone in need of medical attention, inform congress staff immediately.

10. Environmental Responsibility

10.1 Help maintain a clean and sustainable environment by properly disposing of waste in the designated bins.
10.2 Use recycling facilities where available and limit unnecessary use of resources such as paper or single-use plastics.

11. Reporting and Support for Harassment or Misconduct

11.1 If you experience or witness any inappropriate behavior, report it immediately to the staff at the information desk. Reports will be taken seriously, and confidentiality will be respected where possible.
11.2 All reports will be handled confidentially, and appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.

12. Non-compliance and Consequences

12.1 Violations of these house rules may result in immediate removal from the congress without refund.
12.2 Serious offenses, including sexual misconduct or harassment, will be reported to local law enforcement if necessary.
12.3 The congress organizers reserve the right to enforce these rules to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

13. Accessibility for Disabled Participants

13.1 We are committed to ensuring that our event is accessible to everyone. If you have a disability and require any accommodations, please notify the organizing team in advance. We will make every effort to provide the necessary support and ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

14. Responsibility for Personal Belongings

14.1 Attendees are responsible for their personal belongings at all times. The congress organizers are not liable for any lost or stolen items. Please ensure that your valuables are kept secure, and do not leave personal items unattended.