Event Code of Conduct

By registering for and attending Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) events, you consent to the following policies. These policies are strictly enforced, apply to all exhibitors, speakers, vendors, sponsors, and attendees, and are without exception.

RBMA is committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion. As such, we expect our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, vendors, and sponsors to follow this Code of Conduct. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated at any time and may result in immediate removal from the event, either in-person or virtual.

Expected Behavior

• Be considerate of those with whom you may interact.
• Be collaborative with others.
• Be respectful of others’ viewpoints that may be different from your own.
• Be mindful of your words and actions.
• Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of the RBMA Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

Unacceptable Behavior

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated, including, but not limited to, discriminatory behavior or language based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, or any other similar categories. Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions will not be tolerated.
     
     - Harassment consists of a single or multiple persistent or pervasive acts that are demeaning, abusive, offensive or create a hostile professional environment. It may include unwelcome sexual solicitation, physical advances or verbal or non-verbal conduct that is sexual in nature; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; circulation of written or graphic material denigrating or showing hostility toward an individual or group; or epithets, slurs or negative stereotyping based on group identity. Harassment may take place either in person or through digital channels, including online conference platforms and social media outlets.

     - Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Behavior and language that are welcome or acceptable to one person or culture may be unwelcome and offensive to another. Examples of behavior that, when unwelcome, constitute sexual harassment include sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal comments or physical actions of a sexual nature, including sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; making unwelcome comments about someone’s physical appearance; a display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; sexually explicit jokes; unwanted touching; and persistent and unwelcome solicitation of emotional or physical intimacy. Sexual harassment may take place either in person or through digital channels, including online conference platforms and social media outlets.

• Verbally or physically abusive behavior toward others during an RBMA event will not be tolerated. This behavior includes bullying, profanity directed toward others, property damage, deliberate intimidation, or stalking, harassing photography or recording (including screenshots), physical assault, and real or implied threat of physical harm.

• Possession of a weapon or something that could be construed as a weapon during the event or on video. • Possession or mention of illegal substances during the event or on video.

• Sharing your event registration information, including your conference badge, with another person(s).

• Disruption of speakers, presenters or any individuals engaged in the public presentation of conference-related content, both in person and online. This includes video-teleconferencing hijacking, frequently referred to as “Zoom-bombing. • Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.

• Any other illegal activity not already covered above.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

• Engaging in unacceptable behavior as described in this Code of Conduct may result in being asked to leave the event and/or being barred from future events, as well as having online access denied.

• Anyone requested to cease unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. RBMA staff and contractors, hotel personnel or security may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate. If necessary, law enforcement will be engaged.

• Infractions of the Code of Conduct on the part of RBMA members may be referred to the RBMA Executive Committee and/or the RBMA Board of Directors for review and resolution.

• As stated in the bylaws, the RBMA Board of Directors may censure, suspend, and expel members due to unethical and unprofessional conduct.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

The safety and security of our attendees is our most important priority. If you are the subject of unacceptable or inappropriate behavior at the conference, notice that someone else is being harassed or have any other concerns, please notify an RBMA staff member immediately. Staff can be identified by a metallic badge which includes the RBMA logo, their name and position. All reports are strictly confidential. Furthermore, we expect that witnesses reporting unacceptable or inappropriate behavior involving victim(s) keep that information confidential to protect the victim(s). We expect participants to be honest and truthful about any questionable behavior they witness on the part of any meeting participant when reporting it to RBMA staff. Please report behavior as soon as possible after experiencing or witnessing it so that RBMA can take prompt remedial action. When possible, provide the following information either in writing, or permit the staff member to capture the information in writing:

• Name, appearance, company of the participant that is committing the harassing behavior.
• The behavior that was a violation.
• The approximate time of the behavior (if different than when the report is being made).
• The circumstances surrounding the incident.
• Other people involved in or witnessing the incident. If needed or requested, RBMA staff will help participants contact venue security, local law enforcement, or otherwise do whatever possible within our abilities to help those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of any RBMA event.

Addressing Grievances

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this code of conduct, you should notify the RBMA Executive Director with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with the RBMA Bylaws.