- Treat all participants at CHEST 2026, including staff, attendees, faculty, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, visitors, vendors, and all individuals involved in the meeting, with respect and compassion in a way that honors a diversity of perspectives and opinions.
- Demonstrate integrity, respect, and collaboration when interacting with each other.
- Maintain and add to an environment of respect and learning.
- Communicate transparently and focus on critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
- Model community support and care by being mindful of your surroundings and fellow attendees, and alert CHEST staff if you observe a concerning situation.
- Practice responsible tourism and deference for local cultural customs.
Unacceptable behavior
Unacceptable behaviors as determined by CHEST can result in disciplinary action, including removal from the annual meeting. These behaviors include but are not limited to:
- Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning statements or actions
- Harassment or discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status
- Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcomed sexual attention, lewd or inappropriate comments, or unsolicited physical contact
- Disruptive behavior, such as yelling at, threatening, or personally insulting any participant or group
- Disrespectful, intrusive, or inappropriate behavior that detracts from the educational and scientific purpose of the meeting and professional setting
- Harm or threats of harm to any individual or group
Attendees are expected to maintain an environment that is both collegial and professional and conducive to the operation of an orderly meeting and that does not impede others’ ability to participate fully in the meeting. This includes, without limitation:
- Demonstrations, protests, organized advocacy activity, political activity, electioneering, solicitations, or other conduct disruptive to the meeting or attendee experience
- Distribution of literature, flyers, petitions, promotional materials, or other materials not provided as part of a CHEST-sanctioned learning activity, unless expressly authorized by CHEST in advance of the meeting
- Any conduct that, in CHEST’s determination, is inconsistent with or detracts from the professional and inclusive nature of the meeting or that interferes with the ability of others to safely and comfortably participate in all meeting activities
Consequences
- If asked to stop engaging in an unacceptable or disruptive behavior, do so immediately. Conversations related to why the request was made will be held in a location suitable for a discussion.
- CHEST staff or security will take the necessary and appropriate steps required to rectify a disruptive or unacceptable situation, which can include immediate removal from any session or the meeting as a whole (without refund).
- CHEST reserves the right to place restrictions on participation in future events and/or restrictions on membership.
Reporting unacceptable behavior
CHEST takes seriously any complaint of harassing, unprofessional, disruptive, improper, threatening, or unsafe conduct. All reports will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken where warranted. All individuals are encouraged to report any experienced or witnessed activity that is contrary to these expectations in person at either of the Help Desk locations in the Level 1 lobby of the North and West buildings or via email to helpteam@chestnet.org.
Accessibility and accommodation
CHEST is committed to providing an accessible meeting environment for all attendees and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate advance accessibility requests. On-site requests cannot be guaranteed. To request an accommodation or ask questions about accessibility, stop by either of the Help Desk locations in the Level 1 lobby of the North and West buildings or contact us at helpteam@chestnet.org.
RESPECT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.
Updated: 07/06/2026