1. Come with curiosity about others: Tech night! is about building genuine connections. Ask questions, listen actively, and show interest in what others are working on or learning. Everyone has unique experiences and perspectives to share. Be open to learning from them.
2. Engage respectfully: Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their background, skill level, or opinions. Disagreements are okay, but keep discussions constructive and avoid personal attacks. Remember that we're all here to learn and grow together.
3. Sign up for each event on meetup before coming: We ask that you please register through the event platform (Meetup, Luma, Eventbrite, etc.) linked on our website before attending. RSVPing helps us plan appropriately for venue capacity, food, and activities. It also helps other attendees know who to expect, which makes events more welcoming for everyone.
4. Keep messages sfw! All communications, whether in person, on Discord, or through our platform, should be appropriate for a professional community setting. Avoid explicit content, offensive language, or anything that could make others uncomfortable.
5. Keep it platonic: Tech night! is a professional friend-making/networking and community space, not a dating venue. While friendships and professional relationships are welcome, we ask that you please not use our events or platforms to seek romantic connections. Unwanted advances or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, as they create an uncomfortable environment for others.

We hope this code of conduct will help guide us through times of differing opinions and nuanced conversations, especially on topics that matter to the tech community. Inclusivity at tech night! does not mean avoiding hard topics, but approaching them with respect, empathy, and a spirit of learning. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create this kind of environment.

What inclusivity means to us:

• We welcome people of all backgrounds, skill levels, career stages, and identities. Whether you're a student, career changer, senior engineer, or just curious about tech, you belong here.
• We create space for diverse perspectives and encourage respectful dialogue about challenging topics that affect our industry and community.
• We recognize that everyone has different comfort levels and communication styles. Be patient, ask for consent before taking photos or sharing contact info, and respect boundaries.
• We actively work to make our events accessible. If you need accommodations (e.g., accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, quiet spaces), please reach out to us in advance and we'll do our best to help. We appreciate your advance notice, as it helps us prepare and ensure everyone can participate fully.

What inclusivity does NOT mean:

• It doesn't mean everyone must agree on everything. Healthy debate and different viewpoints are welcome when conducted respectfully.
• It doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations. We can discuss important issues like diversity in tech, ethics, career challenges, and more, as long as we do so with respect and empathy.
• It doesn't mean tolerating harassment, discrimination, or harmful behavior. Inclusivity requires active protection of all community members.

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. If you experience or witness behavior that violates this code of conduct, we want to know about it.

How to report:

• In person at events: Approach any host directly. Hosts are usually wearing identifiable badges or can be found at the check-in table.
• Online: Email us at hey@technight.events. You can report anonymously if you prefer, though providing contact information helps us follow up effectively.
• On Discord: Use the private message function to contact a moderator or admin directly.

What to include in your report:

• What happened (a clear description of the incident)
• When and where it occurred
• Who was involved (names, usernames, or descriptions if known)
• Any witnesses or others who may have relevant information
• How it made you feel or why you're concerned

What happens next:

• We will acknowledge receipt of your report within 48 hours (usually sooner).
• We will investigate the situation, which may involve talking to all parties involved and any witnesses.
• We will take appropriate action based on the severity and nature of the violation, which may range from a private warning to removal from the event or permanent ban from tech night!.
• We will follow up with you to let you know that action has been taken (while respecting privacy where appropriate).

We also welcome positive feedback! If you have suggestions for how we can improve tech night!, or if someone went above and beyond to make your experience great, please let us know. Your input helps us create a better community for everyone, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

The code of conduct will not be an issue for 97% of attendees and we will always hear out both sides of a complaint, but please know that we will enforce the code of conduct to keep tech night! a fun experience for everyone.

Our enforcement process:

• Fair investigation: When a report is made, we gather information from all parties involved before making decisions. We believe in due process and giving everyone a chance to share their perspective.
• Proportional response: Enforcement actions match the severity of the violation. Minor issues may result in a private conversation and reminder of our guidelines, while serious violations may lead to immediate removal or permanent ban.
• Consistency: We apply our code of conduct consistently to all attendees, regardless of their role, seniority, or relationship with organizers.

Possible enforcement actions:

• Verbal warning: A private conversation explaining the issue and expectations going forward
• Written warning: A formal notice that future violations may result in removal
• Removal from event: Asking someone to leave the current event immediately
• Temporary ban: Suspension from tech night! events and platforms for a specified period
• Permanent ban: Permanent exclusion from all tech night! events and platforms

Serious violations that may result in immediate removal or permanent ban include (but are not limited to):

• Harassment, discrimination, or hate speech
• Physical violence or threats of violence
• Sexual harassment or unwanted advances
• Intoxication or substance abuse at events
• Repeated violations after warnings, or refusal to comply with enforcement actions

We understand that people make mistakes and can learn from them. However, we prioritize the safety and comfort of our community as a whole. If you have concerns about an enforcement action, you can appeal by contacting us or emailing us at hey@technight.events. We're committed to fair processes and will hear out all sides before making decisions.