CHEST Commitment and Expected Behavior

CHEST’s commitment

CHEST is committed to inclusive, equitable, and respectful treatment of all meeting participants. While we acknowledge that safety is subjective, we seek to provide a professional and hospitable atmosphere in which attendees can learn, network, and participate in a welcoming environment of mutual respect and trust. All participants, including but not limited to attendees, presenters, volunteers, exhibitors, and CHEST staff, have a shared responsibility to foster open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas, promote equal opportunities and treatment for all participants, and ensure everyone feels safe and welcomed.

Expected behavior

These expectations apply to all events held in conjunction with the CHEST Annual Meeting, including any satellite, off-site, symposia, learning theater, and other events, as well as those conducted by someone other than CHEST.

• Treat all participants at the CHEST Annual Meeting, 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.
• 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

CHEST will not tolerate behavior that is harassing, discriminatory, disrespectful, unsafe, or otherwise inappropriate. This includes but is 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
• Harm or threats of harm to any individual or group

This includes conduct and statements at the meeting as well as on social media.

Consequences

• If asked to stop any unacceptable behavior, do so immediately.
• CHEST staff or security will take any action that is deemed necessary and appropriate, including 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 the Help Desk 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 the Help Desk, or contact us at helpteam@chestnet.org.

RESPECT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.