Tech Conference Organizer

A Checklist for Conference Organizers Committed to Accessible, Inclusive, and Diverse Tech Events 🚀

Welcome to the Tech Conference Organizer repository! This project aims to provide comprehensive guidelines and actionable items for organizing an accessible, inclusive, and diverse tech conference. By following these guidelines, you can help create an event that is welcoming and accommodating to all participants, regardless of their background or abilities.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Code of Conduct
3. Inclusivity Guidelines
4. Accessibility Guidelines
5. Diversity Guidelines
6. Actionable Items
7. Contributing
8. License
9. Contact

Introduction

Tech conferences are powerful platforms for learning, networking, and innovation. However, they can often be exclusive or inaccessible to certain groups. This repository provides a structured approach to organizing tech conferences that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity.

Code of Conduct

A clear and enforced code of conduct is essential for creating a safe and respectful environment for all participants.

Key Elements

• Respect and Dignity: All participants should be treated with respect and dignity.
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Any form of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Clear procedures for reporting and addressing violations of the code of conduct.

Inclusivity Guidelines

Inclusivity ensures that all participants feel welcomed and valued.

Key Strategies

• Diverse Speaker Lineup: Ensure a diverse range of speakers in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, and background.
• Inclusive Language: Use language that is inclusive and avoids jargon or slang that might be unfamiliar to some participants.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences and make accommodations as needed.

Accessibility Guidelines

Accessibility ensures that participants with disabilities can fully participate in the conference.

Key Strategies

• Venue Accessibility: Choose a venue that is wheelchair accessible and has accommodations for participants with other disabilities.
• Assistive Technologies: Provide assistive technologies such as captioning, sign language interpreters, and hearing loops.
• Accessible Content: Ensure that all conference materials are available in accessible formats.

Diversity Guidelines

Diversity ensures a wide range of perspectives and ideas, enriching the conference experience for all participants.

Key Strategies

• Outreach and Promotion: Actively promote the conference to underrepresented groups.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Provide financial assistance to participants from diverse backgrounds who may not otherwise be able to attend.
• Affinity Groups: Support and promote affinity groups and sessions focused on diversity-related topics.

Actionable Items

Pre-Conference

1. Form a Diversity and Inclusion Committee: Establish a team dedicated to overseeing diversity and inclusion efforts.
2. Develop a Code of Conduct: Create and publish a comprehensive code of conduct.
3. Select an Accessible Venue: Choose a venue that meets accessibility requirements.
4. Recruit Diverse Speakers: Proactively reach out to speakers from diverse backgrounds.
5. Promote Widely: Use various channels to reach a broad audience.

During the Conference

1. Enforce the Code of Conduct: Monitor behavior and address any violations promptly.
2. Provide Accessibility Services: Ensure all assistive technologies and services are available and functioning.
3. Facilitate Inclusive Networking: Organize activities that encourage inclusive networking and interaction.
4. Support Affinity Groups: Provide space and time for affinity groups to meet and discuss relevant issues.

Post-Conference

1. Collect Feedback: Gather feedback from participants on their experience, focusing on inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity.
2. Evaluate and Report: Analyze feedback and report on the successes and areas for improvement.
3. Plan for Future Improvements: Use feedback to make informed decisions for future conferences.

Contributing

We welcome contributions from everyone. To contribute:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch.
3. Make your changes and commit them.
4. Submit a pull request.

Please read our Contributing Guide for more details.

License

This project is licensed under the Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal License. See the LICENSE file for details.

Contact

For questions, suggestions, or feedback, please open an issue or contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for your efforts to create a more accessible, inclusive, and diverse tech conferences. We all deserve better! 🦸‍♀️