The 2027 National Aquaculture Extension Workshop (NAEW) Planning Committee is committed to providing safe and welcoming environments for all who participate in 2027 NAEW Events. The 2027 NAEW Planning Committee prohibits and will not tolerate any form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination.

Purpose

The 2027 NAEC Planning Committee has established this Event Code of Conduct (the “Code”) to serve as a guideline for the professional conduct of anyone attending or participating in a 2027 NAEC Event, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior. We value the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences reflected among all attendees, and are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and staff. 

Scope and Applicability

The Code applies to all attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, service providers, guests and others (collectively referred to as “Participants”) of official 2027 NAEW events held, sponsored, or affiliated with 2027 NAEW (“Events”). By attending any 2027 NAEW Event, all participants agree to abide by this Event Code of Conduct.

Expected Behavior

The following behaviors are expected and requested of all Event Participants:

1. Behaving in a courteous and professional manner;
2. Treating all participants with respect, dignity, and consideration, in the spirit of creating an inclusive and accessible environment and valuing a diversity of views and opinions;
3. Being considerate, respectful, and collaborative in your communication and actions;
4. Discussing differences and critiquing ideas in a non-confrontational manner with due regard for the viewpoints of others;
5. Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech;
6. Reporting suspected unacceptable behaviors (as outlined below) directed at yourself or others;
7. Respecting the rules, policies, and property of 2027 NAEW and its contracted Event facilities and vendors; and
8. Complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
9. Act as a responsible representative of the 2027 NAEW in any setting in which you could be associated with the 2027 NAEW.
   

Unacceptable Behavior

Violations of this Code include but are not limited to the following:

1. Harassment, which is defined for purposes of this Code to include unwelcome or offensive verbal, visual, or physical contact directed at any Participant, including conduct, comments, or images that a person would reasonably find offensive, demeaning, or hostile;
2. Sexual harassment, which is defined for purposes of this Code to include unwelcome, unsolicited, and unreciprocated sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature that has or that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to offend, humiliate, or intimidate another person;
3. Exhibiting behavior that is unruly or disruptive, or that endangers the health or safety of yourself or others;
4. Discriminatory conduct based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital status, veteran status, political affinity, or any other characteristic protected by law;
5. Deliberate intimidation, threatening, stalking, or following;
6. Sustained disruption of portions of the Event;
7. Invasion of privacy;
8. Actual or threatened pushing, shoving, or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person;
9. Possession of a weapon, or use of any item in a way that may cause danger to others;
10. Destruction, theft, dismantlement, defacement, abuse, or intentional misuse of 2027 NAEW or 2027 NAEW-contracted venues, property, equipment, signage, or supplies;
11. Failure to comply with directions of 2027 NAEW staff or venue personnel regarding Event operations or emergency response procedures;
12. Retaliation against participants for reporting activity that he or she reasonably believed to be in violation of this Code; and,
13. Knowingly and falsely reporting violations of this Code in bad faith.
    
    Moreover, this Code is not intended to be all inclusive, and it is likely there will be relevant conduct issues that it does not specifically address. In that event, as in all others, Participants are expected to follow the direction of 2027 NAEW Event staff who will take appropriate action to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Participants.
    

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

 
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if you see something suspicious or think there is an immediate need and would like to report a security issue or emergency, please contact venue security or local law enforcement.

If you believe you are being subjected to inappropriate conduct, witness (observe or was told about) someone else is being subjected to inappropriate conduct, or have any other concerns, contact 2027 NAEW Planning Committee members who can work to resolve the situation. The 2027 NAEW Planning Committee members in attendance will be identifiable at each event (e.g., verbal identification at meeting onset, on name tags, or similar).

2027 NAEW Planning Committee members will work with individuals experiencing inappropriate conduct to implement measures to enable them to feel safe for the duration of the Event.

Violations of this Code are taken seriously and should be promptly reported to any 2027 NAEW Planning Committee present. Share as much information as you can to help the 2027 NAEW Planning Committee make a thorough investigation of the onsite incident. The 2027 NAEW Planning Committee will investigate all incidents reported at an Event with discretion and provide information to the 2027 NAEC President in a timely manner.

Participants are required to maintain the confidentiality of materials submitted to or received by 2027 NAEW Planning Committee under this Code. The 2027 NAEW Planning committee shall make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidentiality of relevant materials but may disclose case-related materials or information in response to legal process, when already publicly known, or when the 2027 NAEW Planning Committee Chair otherwise determines disclosure is in the best interests of 2027 NAEW.

Consequences of Participant Engagement in Unacceptable Behavior

Any event Participants asked to stop engaging in unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately.

The 2027 NAEW Planning Committee Chair or designee, in consultation with the 2027 NAEW Planning Committee Chair, will determine the nature of the Participants’ conduct that warrants a response as well as the response to be taken. Responses may take any of the following forms: verbal warning; immediate expulsion from the Event; notification of home program and home institution; and/or notifying appropriate authorities. To protect all parties involved, the 2027 NAEW Planning Committee will generally not make any detailed public statements about Code incidents. The decision(s) of 2027 NAEW Planning Committee Co- Chairs are final. 

The workshop WiFi username and password will be provided at the check-in desk at the hotel.

The workshop registration and check-in desk will be in the hotel lobby.

We want everyone to feel comfortable while looking professional. Business casual attire is encouraged for the entirety of this event. Visitors can expect comfortable temperatures in June with highs in the low 70s and lows in the low 50s. June is the wettest month of the year in Duluth. The area typically receives measurable precipitation about 12 days of the month. Because Lake Superior's surface temperature is in the 40s for much of June, an east wind (average June windspeed is 13.6 mph) can create a significant cooling effect, making it feel cooler.

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