NAFTZ Code of Conduct
The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) is committed to fostering a vibrant, diverse, and respectful community for its members.
At NAFTZ’s annual events and in public forums accessible through the info hub in the member portal; NAFTZ expects participants to manage their interactions responsibly, and to be aware of any imbalances of power from which they may be benefiting, so that all participants have the opportunity to learn, network, and have fun in a safe, vibrant environment.
Additional NAFTZ:
- Maintains that ethical values are practiced through continued reflexivity, debate, engagement, and dialogue. Open communication and expression are essential to ethical practice and intellectual freedom. Technological platforms enable professionals to reach broader audiences. Members are expected to maintain a professional tone when using NAFTZ hashtags. Any NAFTZ speaker has the right to request that their work and comments not be shared on social media or other public platforms.
- Upholds the principles of non-discrimination and respect for human diversity. NAFTZ strives to be a welcoming point of contact for our diverse membership of FTZ professionals regardless of gender; sexuality; race; ethnicity; religious affiliation; ability; status; age; marital, domestic, or parental status; gender identity or expression.
- Is committed to open and free exchange. Harassment of any member or staff infringes upon their freedom and self-determination. Harassment occurs when someone’s actions or words violate another person’s dignity and create an environment that is intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive. NAFTZ is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for our community, free from discrimination and harassment.
While at an NAFTZ Event or while engaging in the forums, the above precepts apply not only to NAFTZ members, but all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers, who are required to agree to this code of conduct.
In order to provide a professional conference experience for all, NAFTZ does not tolerate harassment of participants in any form in any conference venue, whether a formal or informal setting. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of social media; Twitter, and other online media.
This code of conduct is not intended to constrain responsible and respectful professional discourse and debate. Members are asked to frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and to be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others.
Those in a position of power (a committee chair leading a meeting, for instance, or the chair, respondent, or moderator of a session) are obligated to safeguard the professional integrity and to serve as an example of professionalism, stepping in and managing any inappropriate interactions.
The following behaviors are specifically prohibited at the ICA annual conference:
- Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwanted sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or non-consensual physical contact.
- Harassment or intimidation based on, but not limited to: ability(ies), age, appearance (including comments about hairstyle or clothing), body size, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, immigration status, language, marital status, national origin, race, religion (or lack thereof), sexual orientation, or other group status.
- Name-calling or threatening language, even as part of an otherwise academic dialogue or Q&A. While healthy, participatory discourse is encouraged, we will not tolerate abusive language or personal insults or threats, whether during a session or in other conference-related settings.
- Fabrication of conference materials, for example, official name badges or drink tickets for receptions.
Participants (including attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and exhibitors) who are asked—by a fellow attendee, by hotel staff, or by NAFTZ staff—to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Failure to do so will be subject to the involvement of NAFTZ leadership and, at the discretion of the NAFTZ President and/or Executive Committee, potential removal from the conference, platform, or deactivation of membership without a refund.
These rules apply to all areas in which attendees, staff, and volunteers come into contact with each other, including but not limited to the convention center, conference hotels and condo properties, common areas surrounding these properties, in hotel fitness centers and pools, at social events both on- and offsite, and on online platforms such as the committee and member forums in the info hub.
If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have other concerns about inappropriate behavior, please contact a staff member immediately. One may also email both Kristine Wells, Senior Manager of Communications & Membership, and Jeffrey Tafel, NAFTZ President, with any concerns.