Code of Conduct, Safety, and Security
All attendees, speakers, sponsors and volunteers at our conference are required to agree with the following Code of Conduct and Safety. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody.
RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR
Lean Kanban conferences and other events are all about building the global community for modern management through the open exchange of ideas. That kind of exchange can happen only in an environment that recognizes the value of each person and fosters mutual respect.
If we create an atmosphere in which anyone can say anything, we have not fostered an open exchange of ideas, because participants who anticipate or experience offensive comments and hateful behavior won’t participate. To help ensure that conversations at Lean Kanban events are focused on management skills and that the atmosphere encourages participation from as wide a range of attendees as possible, we do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to race, gender, religion, age, national origin, physical appearance, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. Harassment includes hostile behavior, including speech that intimidates, creates discomfort, or interferes with a person’s participation in the conference (speaker presentations fall under this category and should not use images or examples that would violate the code of conduct). Harassment may include deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention.
Harassing or sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any conference venue, including talks, workshops, parties, Twitter and other online media.
Sponsors and speakers should not use sexually objectifying or sexually themed images or activities, and sponsor representatives (including volunteers) should not use clothing/uniforms/costumes meant to be sexually suggestive.
We expect participants to follow these rules at conference and workshop venues and conference-related social events. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Lean Kanban reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or remove any person from an activity at any time at its sole discretion.
NEED HELP?
It would not be useful to have a Code of Conduct and Safety without an action plan for getting assistance when you need it. We have provided several options for you to get effective help handled promptly in a sensitive manner. There are mechanisms for you to file complaints or request assistance either during the event or any time after it is over.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, are made to feel uncomfortable, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff immediately (see below for more options). Conference staff can be identified as they'll be wearing branded clothing and/or badges and/or lighted arm bands. Note that sponsor representatives in booths are not considered event staff except at the Lean Kanban University booth or the book table.
Conference staff will be happy to help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference. We value your attendance.
If you are being harassed, notice someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please reach out in one of the following ways:
VIA LEGAL AUTHORITIES: If you have experienced a situation that harms or threatens your life or property, call 911 to involve the police. You may also ask any event staff or hotel staff to call the police for you.
IN PERSON DURING THE EVENT: Our event staff are trained on responding to various crisis situations including harassment complaints. Event staff are always present at the Information/Registration desk during event hours.
Approach the staff member and say, “I would like to give feedback” This will signal the staff member to take you to a quiet place to discuss your concern or complaint. They will also take your contact information so that they can follow up with you after the discussion.
If your complaint or concern is about another event participant, we will contact that person immediately and summon them to the event office to talk to them and determine an appropriate action. As much as possible, this will be handled in a manner that is confidential for both you and the other parties involved.
VIA EMAIL: The email address events@leankanban.com will be monitored continuously during the event. You may send feedback, complaints and requests to that email address and they will be handled confidentially. Only use this option if you are not in immediate crisis as there may be a response delay of an hour or more.
VIA EVENT FEEDBACK: The social app provided to you for the event has a feature to give feedback on any session. It also has an option to provide general feedback on the conference. You may use the app to enter comments about your event experience. These comments will not be visible to other event participants.
SMOKING
Per state law, smoking is not allowed inside public places and within twenty-five feet of public places or places of employment. You cannot smoke cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) directly outside the hotel or anywhere that exposes smoke to entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes.
Ask the hotel front desk to point out locations where smoking would be allowed on the property.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is served at this event but moderation in consumption will create a more professional atmosphere for everyone. Please limit your consumption of alcohol. Speakers and sponsors should not encourage excessive consumption of alcohol. when you know you will be consuming alcohol while away from the conference venue. If you know you will be consuming alcohol when away from the conference venue, make plans for a designated driver or take the train, a taxi, or app-based car service such as Uber or Lyft rather than driving.
ILLNESS
If you experience illness or injury, notify event staff or hotel staff and we can connect you with local health care resources.
Persons present in event sessions and/or social activities while clearly ill (such as with a bad cold or flu) may be asked to leave the event or recuperate in their hotel rooms to prevent spreading illness to other participants. All attendees are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and use provided antibacterial gel.
SAFETY AND SECURITY OF PHYSICAL PROPERTY
Alexandria is not considered a high crime location, and in fact, the crime rate is 30% lower than the national average. Still, basic safety precautions are always recommended.
Lean Kanban Inc cannot guarantee the safety of your possessions during an event. Lock up any valuables including computers or other electronics, jewelry, and passports in the in-room safe in your hotel room, or you may ask the hotel front desk staff to lock up valuables in a safe deposit box. Do not leave any valuables in a parked car. During the event, do not leave your computer and other valuable items unattended such as in a meeting room between sessions. Always keep your hotel room doors and windows locked.
It is also advised to keep the data on your electronics safe by securing your electronics when not in use and using good password protection. Some event venues provide only open wi-fi networks which may be vulnerable to data theft by hackers. Where possible it is recommended to use two-factor authentication, disable sharing, and use caution when accessing sensitive data such as financial accounts when on any public wi-fi service.
NATURAL DISASTERS
There is always risk of disasters including earthquakes, fire, and flooding. In the event of a crisis, follow these steps:
Call 911 for emergency assistance. In the event of a major disaster, cell phone services are routed for emergency personnel only and may not be reachable temporarily.
Take the stairs, not the elevator, in the event of a fire.
Exits in the hotel are clearly marked with lighted signs. Maps showing these exit routes are also posted on the property.
OFFSITE ACTIVITIES
Some Lean Kanban events offer an option for excursions including recreational activities that may involve physical risk. Participation in these activities is never required and is undertaken at your own risk. Please take every precaution such as wearing safety devices (seatbelts, lifejackets, etc) and bringing adequate supplies (water, sunscreen, etc). Follow the direction of qualified recreation leaders at the activity site.