Snowflake Event Code of Conduct
Introduction and Importance
We firmly believe in the value and importance of an environment where all Snowflake community members and participants at our events feel welcome and safe. This Code of Conduct explains the behavior we expect from Snowflake community members interacting at Snowflake events and across Snowflake blogs, online forums, and social media platforms. The purpose of Snowflake events, blogs, online forums, and social media platforms is to foster technical and professional education and encourage community discussion.
This Code of Conduct applies to all official programming, ancillary events, and any affiliated spaces where participants may reasonably be understood to be representing Snowflake or its events.
Expected Behavior
- Behave in a way that facilitates a safe and supportive environment for all Snowflake event participants. Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants. Alert staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
- Comply with the instructions of Snowflake event staff and event requirements (including all health and safety requirements).
- If at a Snowflake event, wear your badge at all times while at events and present it upon request by authorized staff or security.
- Follow venue policies, posted signage, and staff directions regarding capacity, queueing, seating, and traffic flow.
- Respect speaker and attendee experience by minimizing disruptions during sessions, adhering to photography/recording guidance, and silencing devices.
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behaviors at Snowflake events and across Snowflake blogs, online forums, and social media platforms may include but are not limited to:
- Harassment and discrimination, including any verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, race, age, national origin, disability, or other protected status; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including in presentation slides or materials); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of sessions, talks, or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and any unwelcome sexual attention.
- Boisterous, lewd, or offensive behavior or language, including sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious, or ethnic slurs.
- Wearing clothing that is not suitable for a professional work environment, that is provocative, inappropriate, or otherwise potentially offensive.
- Possession of a weapon or any item that can be used as a weapon, which may be used to threaten or cause injury to others if used in a certain manner. Prohibited items include but are not limited to firearms, knives, explosives, fireworks, pepper spray, and drones/UAVs.
- Destruction or vandalism of personal property or event site or materials.
- Possessing any open can, bottle, or other receptacle containing alcoholic beverages except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol; intoxication, as determined by Snowflake, in any event venue or function. Please drink responsibly.
- Possessing any illegal substance. Snowflake does not tolerate the use or abuse of illegal substances anywhere in the event venues.
- Smoking or vaping outside of designated areas.
- Assembling for the purpose of, or resulting in, disturbing the peace, committing any unlawful act, or engaging in any offensive behavior.
- Interference with the operation of Snowflake events, blogs, online forums, and social media platforms.
- Attempting to receive benefits to which you are not entitled, including but not limited to sharing, lending, or duplicating event badges.
- Any solicitation by event attendees who are not registered as event sponsors or exhibitors is strictly prohibited.
- Any other illegal activity not already covered above.
- Disrespecting venue staff or other patrons in shared spaces.
Failure to obey any of the rules or regulations of the event venues or instructions of the event staff.
Scope
We expect all Snowflake community members (including but not limited to attendees, vendors, sponsors, speakers, volunteers, moderators, media, and Snowflake employees) to uphold the principles of this Code of Conduct. In the context of Snowflake events, this Code of Conduct covers the main event and all related events (social or otherwise), as well as official online platforms and virtual/hybrid programming. Snowflake employees must continue to abide by all company policies at all times.
Health, Safety, and Emergency Procedures
- Follow all posted health and safety requirements, including venue rules and any public health directives.
- Observe capacity limits, queueing instructions, and traffic flow markings.
- In an emergency, follow staff/security directions and posted evacuation routes.
- Report any life-safety emergency by contacting local authorities (in North America, dial 911) and then notify event staff or onsite security.
- If you feel unwell, please refrain from attending sessions.
Photography, Recording, and Privacy
- Respect speaker and attendee preferences regarding photography, recording, and sharing on social media. Adhere to “no photo/no recording” signage, session-specific guidance, and speaker requests.
- Do not photograph or record individuals in private or sensitive contexts or where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
- Badge scanning by sponsors is optional and attendee-controlled. Scanning your badge at a sponsor area or session-sharing point indicates consent to share your contact information with that sponsor per the event privacy notice.
- Personal data will be handled in accordance with the event privacy notice.
Badges, Entry, and Re-Entry
- Wear your event badge at all times in event-controlled spaces and present it to staff upon request.
- Badges are non-transferable. Do not share, lend, or duplicate badges.
- Replacement badges may be issued at the organizer’s discretion and may require a government-issued ID and a replacement fee.
- Re-entry and bag policies are subject to venue security screening and capacity controls.
Alcohol, Food, and Substances
- Alcohol may only be consumed in designated areas and during approved service times. Proof of legal drinking age may be required.
- Please drink responsibly. Service may be refused to any individual at the organizer’s discretion.
- No outside alcohol is permitted.
- Illegal substances are prohibited.
Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Vendors
- Sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors must adhere to this Code of Conduct, the Sponsorship/Exhibitor Terms, and all venue rules.
- Giveaways should be safe, compliant, and appropriate for a professional environment.
- Aggressive sales tactics, obstruction of aisles, or solicitation outside designated areas are prohibited.
- Collecting attendee data requires clear notice and compliance with applicable privacy laws and the event privacy notice.
Media and Press
- Accredited media must follow staff instructions, honor “no recording” sessions, and obtain consent for interviews.
- Media badges should be worn and visible at all times while in the event spaces; badges do not grant access to restricted or behind-the-scenes areas without prior authorization.
Sustainability and Responsible Conduct
- Follow recycling/composting signage and minimize waste.
- Use designated water refill stations and bring a reusable bottle where permitted.
- Respect the venue and surrounding community; dispose of waste properly and avoid excessive noise in public areas.
Incident Reporting and Response
If you experience or witness a life-safety emergency, contact local authorities (in North America, dial 911) immediately. You may also notify onsite staff/security.
If you have a complaint or concern about harassment, discrimination, bullying, or any conduct that violates this Code of Conduct, please tell an event staff member or security personnel immediately. If you witness this happening to someone else, please report that, too. You may request that your report remain confidential to the extent possible.
- Reports may be made in person to any staff member.
- When you report, please be prepared to provide the following information: who was involved, what occurred, where/when it happened, whether there were witnesses, and any immediate safety concerns.
- Enforcement, Consequences, and Appeals
All determinations are at our sole discretion. We may take any action deemed appropriate, including but not limited to:
- Verbal or written warning.
- Removal from a session or area.
- Revocation of badge and removal from the event without refund.
- Prohibition from future events and online platforms.
- Notification of employer or school when appropriate.
- Contacting venue security or law enforcement.
Lost and Found, Property, and Security Screening
- Items found should be delivered to an onsite event staff member. Unclaimed items will be handled per venue policy.
- Security screening may include bag checks, magnetometers, or other measures. Please allow extra time for entry.
- Prohibited items will not be permitted beyond checkpoints and may be subject to confiscation per venue policy.
Crowd Management and Session Etiquette
- Entry to sessions and events is first-come, first-served unless otherwise indicated. When capacity is reached, doors will be closed.
- Queue only in designated areas. Respect instructions from staff regarding overflow and standby lines.
- Be courteous: arrive on time, avoid blocking aisles/egresses, and limit seat saving to one seat where permitted.
Program Changes and Cancellations
- The program, speakers, and schedules are subject to change. Updates will be communicated via signage, the event website, and/or the event app.
- If a session is canceled or moved, follow instructions provided by staff and posted communications.
Contact Us
For questions regarding Snowflake Events, please contact [email protected].
Revisions
This Code of Conduct may be revised at any time by Snowflake, and the terms are non-negotiable. This Code of Conduct is without prejudice to Snowflake’s rights, all of which it expressly reserves.