Code of Conduct — Rows & Columns Summit

Photography & Recording Notice

By attending Rows & Columns Summit, you grant ClickHouse and its agents permission to photograph, film, and record you during the event. Your image, voice, and likeness may be used for any purpose and in any medium — including social media, the event website, and future promotional materials — without compensation. If you have concerns, please speak to a staff member at the Registration Desk. Unauthorized recording or distribution of session content is prohibited and is grounds for removal from the event. All content presented, including slides and recordings, remains the property of its respective owners.

1. Our Commitment

Rows and Columns Summit is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form.

2. Expected Behavior

We expect all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers to:

Be Respectful: Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
Be Collaborative: Attempt collaboration before conflict.
Be Mindful: Remember that a community where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a productive one.
Respect Boundaries: If someone asks you to stop a conversation or leave them alone, do so immediately.

3. Unacceptable Behavior

Behavior that violates this code includes, but is not limited to:

Harassment: Offensive verbal comments, epithets, or slurs.
Disruption: Sustained disruption of talks or other events.
Intimidation: Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
Non-Consensual Photography/Recording: Taking photos or videos of individuals after they have asked you not to.
Inappropriate Physical Contact: Unwelcome physical contact or simulated physical contact without express consent.
Inappropriate Imagery: Use of sexualized images or activities in presentations or common spaces.

4. Consequences of Misconduct

If a participant engages in harassing or uncomfortable behavior, the Event Safety Team may take any action they deem appropriate. These actions include, but are not limited to:

A Formal Warning: To stop the behavior and avoid further action.
Expulsion: Immediate removal from the conference without a refund.
Legal Action: Involvement of local law enforcement if the behavior constitutes a crime.

5. How to Report an Incident

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the Safety Team immediately.

In Person: Find a staff member wearing a bright green lanyard or visit the Registration Desk.
Anonymously: Use our reporting form at [URL]. Note: While we accept anonymous reports, we may be limited in our ability to take specific action without follow-up information.

A Note on Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with the strictest confidentiality possible. Our primary goal is the safety and comfort of the reporter.

Event Safety & Response Policy

Purpose

This policy establishes a standardized protocol for identifying, investigating, and resolving violations of the Rows and Columns Code of Conduct. Our goal is a swift, fair, and documented resolution.

Response Matrix

The Safety Team shall use the following table to determine the appropriate level of intervention.

Severity	Definition / Examples	Standard Action	Members
Level 1: Minor	Interruption of speakers, inappropriate (non-targeted) language, "mansplaining."	Verbal Warning. Private conversation explaining why the behavior was disruptive.	1
Level 2: Moderate	Targeted insults, persistent unwanted attention, violating personal space after a warning.	Final Warning / Temporary Removal. Removal from the current session; badge marked for "last chance."	Min 2
Level 3: Severe	Physical assault, stalking, sexual harassment, use of slurs, threats of violence.	Immediate Expulsion. Permanent removal from venue; badge confiscated; no refund.	Min 2

Immediate Response Protocol

When an incident is reported, the responding member will:

Prioritize Safety: Ensure the reporter is in a safe, quiet location.

Information Gathering: Record the "Who, What, Where, and When." Do not promise absolute anonymity, as the accused may need to know the specific claim, but promise confidentiality within the committee.

Interim Action: If the situation is volatile, the Safety Team lead has the authority to ask the accused to leave the immediate area while the committee deliberates.