Code of Conduct

Last updated: 1 January 2026

Our Commitment

HackEurope is dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or technical ability.

We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. All participants are expected to show respect and courtesy to others throughout the event.

This Code of Conduct applies to all HackEurope spaces and events, including but not limited to:

  • The hackathon venue and all event activities
  • Online platforms (Discord, Slack, email, social media)
  • Sponsor booths and workshops
  • Social events and after-parties
  • Travel to and from the venue when representing HackEurope

Expected Behavior

All participants, sponsors, volunteers, mentors, judges, and organizers are expected to:

Be Respectful

  • Treat everyone with respect and consideration
  • Value diverse perspectives and experiences
  • Be open to constructive feedback
  • Respect boundaries and personal space

Be Inclusive

  • Use welcoming and inclusive language
  • Be respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
  • Welcome newcomers and those less experienced
  • Make an effort to include everyone in conversations and activities

Be Collaborative

  • Work together constructively
  • Share knowledge and help others learn
  • Give credit where credit is due
  • Be gracious in both victory and defeat

Be Professional

  • Focus on what is best for the community and event
  • Show empathy towards other participants
  • Be mindful of your words and actions
  • Accept responsibility and apologize when you make mistakes

Be Mindful of the Space

  • Keep the venue clean and organized
  • Respect venue rules and property
  • Be considerate of noise levels, especially late at night
  • Report any safety concerns immediately

Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable at HackEurope:

Harassment and Discrimination

  • Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neurotype, physical appearance, body size, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, or religion
  • Unwelcome comments regarding a person's lifestyle choices and practices
  • Deliberate misgendering or use of "dead" or rejected names
  • Gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behavior
  • Physical contact and simulated physical contact without consent or after a request to stop
  • Threats of violence or incitement of violence
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
  • Harassing photography or recording
  • Sustained disruption of talks, workshops, or other events
  • Inappropriate or unwelcome attention
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior

Technical Misconduct

  • Deliberately accessing systems, networks, or data without authorization
  • Deploying malware, viruses, or other malicious code
  • Attempting to disrupt event infrastructure or other participants' work
  • Cheating or gaining unfair advantage in the competition
  • Submitting work that is not your own or that violates intellectual property rights
  • Hacking or attempting to compromise event systems or sponsor systems

Disruptive Behavior

  • Sustained disruption of sessions, talks, or workshops
  • Intoxication or use of illegal substances at the event
  • Aggressive, threatening, or violent behavior
  • Destruction of property
  • Failure to comply with reasonable requests from organizers or venue staff

Other Unacceptable Conduct

  • Publishing or threatening to publish others' private information (doxxing)
  • Discriminatory jokes, language, or imagery
  • Unwelcome sexual attention or advances
  • Retaliation against individuals who report violations
  • Making the environment hostile, intimidating, or uncomfortable for others

Weapons Policy

No weapons of any kind are allowed at HackEurope events. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Firearms or realistic replicas
  • Knives (except small pocket knives for utility purposes)
  • Explosives or fireworks
  • Any item used or intended to be used as a weapon

Alcohol and Substances

  • No illegal drugs or substances
  • Alcohol may be available at designated times and locations for participants of legal drinking age
  • Participants must drink responsibly
  • Intoxication that disrupts the event or endangers others is not permitted
  • We reserve the right to refuse service or remove individuals who are intoxicated

Photography and Recording

  • Always ask for consent before photographing or recording individuals
  • Respect photo-free zones and those wearing opt-out badges
  • Do not share photos or recordings of others without their permission
  • Do not take photographs in bathrooms, sleeping areas, or other private spaces

Reporting

If You Experience or Witness a Violation

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, or have any other concerns, please report it as soon as possible.

During the Event:

  • Immediate safety concerns: Contact event security or local emergency services
  • Code of Conduct violations: Approach any HackEurope organizer (identifiable by navy HackEurope tops)
  • Email us at team@hackeurope.eu

After the Event:

  • Email us at team@hackeurope.eu

What to Include in a Report

When reporting, please include:

  • Your contact information (unless reporting anonymously)
  • Names or descriptions of those involved
  • When and where the incident occurred
  • A detailed description of what happened
  • Any witnesses or additional context
  • Whether you believe this is an ongoing situation

You may report anonymously, but providing contact information helps us follow up and keep you informed.

Confidentiality

All reports will be handled with discretion. We will only share information:

  • With other organizers on a need-to-know basis
  • With venue security if there is a safety concern
  • With law enforcement if legally required or for serious incidents

We will not share your identity without your consent unless required for safety reasons.

Enforcement

Investigation

  • All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly
  • The accused will be informed of the report and given an opportunity to respond
  • We may speak with witnesses or review relevant evidence
  • We aim to complete investigations within 24-48 hours during the event

Consequences

Participants asked to stop unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately.

Depending on the severity and context, violations may result in:

Warning

  • Verbal or written warning
  • Required apology to affected parties
  • Behavioral expectations for continued participation

Temporary Removal

  • Removal from specific event spaces or activities
  • Loss of access to online platforms
  • Restriction from interacting with certain individuals

Immediate Expulsion

  • Removal from the event without warning
  • Forfeiture of any prizes or awards
  • Ban from future HackEurope events
  • No refund of any fees (if applicable)

Legal Action

  • For serious violations (assault, theft, etc.), we will involve law enforcement
  • We will cooperate fully with authorities

Factors We Consider

When determining consequences, we consider:

  • Severity and impact of the behavior
  • Whether the behavior was intentional or accidental
  • Pattern of behavior (first-time vs. repeat offense)
  • Response when confronted (apology, defensiveness, etc.)
  • Safety risk to participants

Appeals

  • You may appeal enforcement decisions by contacting team@hackeurope.eu
  • Appeals must be submitted within 7 days
  • Appeals will be reviewed by organizers not involved in the initial decision
  • Appeal decisions are final

Staff and Volunteer Conduct

HackEurope staff and volunteers are held to the same standards and must:

  • Lead by example in following this Code of Conduct
  • Respond promptly and professionally to reports
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Not abuse their position or access to participant information
  • Recuse themselves from investigations where they have a conflict of interest

Violations by staff or volunteers will be taken particularly seriously and may result in immediate removal from their role.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all HackEurope participants in all HackEurope spaces, online and off, including:

  • The event venue during event hours
  • Official HackEurope communication channels
  • Social events and gatherings
  • Sponsor interactions and workshops
  • Travel to/from the event when representing HackEurope

Behavior outside these spaces may also be considered if it affects the safety or wellbeing of community members.

Attribution and License

This Code of Conduct is adapted from:

  • Hack Code of Conduct
  • MLH Code of Conduct
  • Geek Feminism Conference Anti-Harassment Policy

This Code of Conduct is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Contact Information

For Code of Conduct concerns:

  • Email: team@hackeurope.eu
  • In person: Approach any HackEurope organizer

For general event questions:

By participating in HackEurope, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Thank you for helping make HackEurope a welcoming, safe, and inclusive event for everyone.