ISTSS Code of Conduct

is document outlines ISTSS’s expectations for attendees and presenters at all ISTSS events. This guidance is central to ensuring ISTSS events are a safe, open, and inclusive space, which is mindful of the diverse range of experiences of participants. As a professional organisation, we also recognise the vital importance of being able to critique and debate, but highlight the importance of doing this in a manner that is open and respectful. This document also complements our Anti-Harassment Policy and our Best Practice Parameters.

If you witness or experience behaviour which you consider against our code of conduct, please report this to Diane Elmore Borbon, Executive Director, dborbon@istss.org.

Guidance for All Attendees:

• Harassment, intimidation, and discrimination of any form will not be tolerated, as outlined in our Anti-Harassment Policy.
• All attendees are expected to be mindful and respectful of the diverse range of participants at ISTSS events.
• Disruptions of presentations will not be tolerated. Participants must comply with the instructions of the moderators and any ISTSS event staff.
• Participants should not copy or take screen-shots of any private chat room or messaging activity that takes place on the convention app or
  similar.
• Professionals are expected to adhere to the standards nd guidelines of their professions, including their professional codes of ethics and conduct.

Guidance for Speakers and Moderators:

• Always conduct yourself in a manner that promotes an open and safe environment for all participants, regardless of background. Expect that all events, and thus all audiences, will include people with a diverse range of professional and personal experiences.
• Moderators hold particular responsibility for ensuring the symposium or event is conducted in a manner that upholds respectful and open dialogue and debate, including during any Q&A.
• Presentations, postings, and messages should not contain promotional materials or product announcements, or solicitation for services, without prior approval from ISTSS Executive Committee.
• Presentations must correspond with the submitted and approved content (e.g., your submitted conference or workshop abstract; the focus of the webinar).
• Certain stakeholders benefit from continuing education credits or other accreditation opportunities provided at ISTSS events. Changing content without permission of organizers can jeopardize continuing education opportunities for members and the Society standing with relevant agencies.
• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and any use of AI tools should be properly acknowledged.

ISTSS reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the Annual Meeting, in response to any incident of unacceptable behaviour. In these cases, registration fees will not be refunded. In extreme cases, ISTSS reserves the right to prohibit attendance at future ISTSS offerings, virtually or in-person.

Guidance Development
This guidance was developed by the ISTSS Public Health and Policy Committee, in collaboration with the ISTSS Board of Directors, 2024. Final approval was provided by the Executive Committee, 2024. For any questions about the above information, please contact Diane Elmore Borbon, Executive Director, dborbon@istss.org.