Community Code of Conduct

Last review: January 2026

We have developed this community code of conduct to actively set expectations for the Signal Not Noise community and to promote safety and inclusiveness for all participants. This general Code of Conduct is designed to apply to all Signal Not Noise Conference events. Some local organizers may have additions or variations to the CoC, and these may be found on each city's website.

Everyone participating in the Signal Not Noise community—including, but not limited to, Signal Not Noise Conference Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide events and Signal Not Noise online channels—is required to agree to the following code of conduct. This includes all contributors/participants, session leaders/speakers, supporters/sponsors, and volunteers.

Signal Not Noise Conference organizers will apply this code during its events and throughout the year. We expect cooperation from everyone to promote and sustain a safe, diverse, and welcoming environment.

The short version

Signal Not Noise Conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion (or lack thereof). We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form.

Sexist, racist, discriminatory, or harassing language and imagery is not appropriate in the Signal Not Noise community, in person or online. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from Signal Not Noise conferences, online channels (e.g. Slack), and all future events without a refund at the discretion of Signal Not Noise Conference organizers.

The longer version

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are required to comply immediately.

If a participant engages in any of the aforementioned behavior, Signal Not Noise Conference may take any action they deem appropriate, from warning the offender to immediately expelling the offender with no refund.

Photography policy

Signal Not Noise Conference organizers and participants will take photographs at events. If you don't want a photo taken or don't want a photo made public, please advise the photographer. The policy for organizers and people who have been asked by the organizers to take photographs is to ask for permission where possible.

We understand that not everyone is comfortable with their photo being published, for a variety of reasons. You have every right not to have photographs published in Signal Not Noise Conference material. If you do not wish photos that you appear in to be available publicly, we will take all reasonable measures to not publish any photos taken at the event that are close up or where you are easily identifiable. If you are inadvertently included in a group photo or a wide shot, or we publish a photo that you are identifiable in, please contact us so we can obscure you, or remove the photo or photos.

Some local organizers may give you a way of distinguishing whether you are OK to be photographed, or would not like to be photographed at the event. Please see the individual event's website for details.

Reporting and Enforcement

If you feel you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact an organizer or volunteer. If you can't or don't wish to speak in person, or prefer to talk privately or electronically, contact us at letstalk@signal-not-noise.com or by direct message in Slack.

All reports will be handled in the strictest confidence.

At a Signal Not Noise Conference event—contact Signal Not Noise local organizers, or a Signal Not Noise volunteer (identified by an event staff t-shirt or other identifier) immediately. These people will be happy to help assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.

Thanks

This document was based on the Code of Conduct from XOXO Conference, which was in turn inspired by the work of JSConf, Geek Feminism, confcodeofconduct.com, and inspired by resources provided by Ashe Dryden.

Health and Safety

We are thankful to be in a position where we are able to come together in-person. We want to do what we can to proactively help protect the health of participants. As always, the Signal Not Noise Community Code of Conduct applies.

• We are thankful to be in a position where we are able to come together in-person. We also want to do what we can to proactively help protect the health of participants.
• We will comply with all Health Department guidelines in the operation of our events.
• For the wellbeing of your fellow Signal Not Noise community colleagues, please stay at home if you have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or if you are feeling unwell. There is scope to transfer your registration or to defer yours to a future event.
• The use of masks is not required by health authorities, however, please do not feel any hesitation to wear a mask if you would like to. You may indeed see organizers and helpers at Signal Not Noise wearing masks in certain situations. Please be understanding of people who are protecting their health.
• As it is difficult for us to predict demand, it is difficult for us to restrict numbers in each room. If you need to find a session that has more room, there are usually spaces at events that can be suitable for you.

Diversity Charter

Signal Not Noise (under our previous name, LAST Conferences) is a signatory to The Diversity Charter. We value diversity and actively seek out ways to increase diversity at our events.