The Advanced Lateral Flow Conference (ALFC) is committed to providing an environment that encourages the free expression and exchange of scientific ideas and promotes equal opportunities and respectful treatment for all participants. All participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, follow venue rules, and alert ALFC staff or security of any dangerous situations or anyone in distress. ALFC prohibits and will not tolerate any form of harassment or bullying at its events.

“Harassment” is unwanted and unwelcome attention or other conduct that creates an environment where a reasonable person would feel unwelcome, intimidated, excluded, or abused. Harassment based on gender, race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, and any other personal characteristic is strictly prohibited.

This code of conduct applies to all interactions involving the ALFC, including online and digital interactions related to the event, on social media platforms, in email communications, and through any digital tools provided by the ALFC for communication between participants.

Participants are expected to adhere to local laws and regulations pertaining to the consumption of alcohol and use of controlled substances. Overconsumption of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, or any substance abuse is strictly prohibited and could result in removal from the event and future events.

Participants are expected to treat all venue property with respect. Any form of vandalism or deliberate misuse of property will not be tolerated and may result in immediate expulsion from the event.

ALFC will investigate all complaints of harassment, and investigations will be conducted in an unbiased manner. Violation of this code of conduct may result in the participant being asked to leave the event at which the incident occurred, without warning or refund; being barred from attending ALFC events in the future; and, if relevant, being barred from or revocation of membership in the ALFC. Event security and local police may be contacted in the event violators pose an imminent threat to others or are disrupting the event. If an ALFC staff member is found to be in violation, action regarding an ALFC staff member may result in termination of employment.

This policy applies to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, contractors, volunteers, and guests at ALFC events. If a participant experiences or is witness to harassment, he/she should contact ALFC staff (ALFC staff are identifiable by their ALFC staff name badge) as soon as possible or contact security if they feel unsafe. All complaints will be responded to promptly and treated seriously and, to the extent possible, confidentially. Complaints that require broader investigation will be handled by the appropriate authorities selected at the ALFC’s discretion. ALFC expressly forbids any retaliation against individuals for reporting harassment.

In the event that an individual knowingly provides false information regarding a harassment situation, ALFC may take similar disciplinary action.