MnSearch Code of Conduct

MnSearch is committed to providing a welcoming, harassment-free conference for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, race, ethnicity and religious beliefs.


By participating in the 2023 MnSearch Summit, all staff, volunteers, attendees, speakers, sponsors and partners agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct.


This Code of Conduct applies to all MnSearch events, including our annual MnSearch Summit, monthly networking and learning events, and virtual and in-person experiences.

Be Nice

We expect all employees and volunteers to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner. This expectation extends to all attendees, speakers, sponsors and partners involved in MnSearch Summit. Jokes or insults that are discriminatory in any way (e.g.,racist, sexist, homophobic) will not be tolerated, nor will any language that is overly violent or profane.

Be Delightful & Professional

Watch Out for Others

If you witness this Code of Conduct being violated in any way, or come across a situation that is in any way dangerous, make sure to inform a MnSearch Summit organizer as soon as possible.

Start conversations, build connections, and make an effort to be as inclusive as possible with your fellow attendees. Unwelcome advances, either in-person or online, toward any fellow attendee, volunteer or MnSearch employee are strictly prohibited, as is making any inappropriate/suggestive comments toward others.

Harassment includes (but is not limited to): offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age and religion. Harassment also includes displaying sexual images in public spaces, 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 expected to comply immediately.
Sponsor booths are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. In particular, exhibitors should not use sexualised images, activities, or other material. Booth personnel (including volunteers) should not use sexualised clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.


If a participant engages in a behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, event organizers may take any actions they deem appropriate (ranging from a verbal warning to expulsion of the remainder event without ticket reimbursement) to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

Who to Contact to Report a Code Violation

If you or another participant is being harassed or if you have any concerns that threaten your safety or enjoyment of the event, please contact a MnSearch board member. MnSearch board members will be wearing easily identifiable “Board Member” t-shirts for the duration of the event.


If the matter is urgent, please locate on the conference floor or email any of the following event organizers:


If you cannot locate any of the above board members you can call or send a text message to Event Coordinator, Charlene Ditch, at 206-307-2015. This phone number will be continuously monitored for the duration of the event and complaints will be responded to ASAP.


When taking a personal report, MnSearch board members will ensure you are safe and cannot be overheard. They may involve other event personnel to ensure your report is managed properly. Once safe, we’ll ask you to tell us about what happened. This can be upsetting, but we’ll handle it as respectfully as possible, and you can bring someone to support you. You won’t be asked to confront anyone and we won’t tell anyone who you are.


MnSearch board members will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local guards, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference and related conference events.

Contact Details in Case of Emergency

Ramsey County 24-Hour Crisis Line: 651-266-7900
Local Law Enforcement: 911

How to Report a Code Violation

If you or a fellow attendee are experiencing harassment, you can make a report by following the steps of any of the three options outlined below.

No matter how you choose to report, please be sure to provide as much information as possible about the incident, including:

  • Your name and contact details
  • The name and/or company of the participant doing the harassing
  • The behavior that was in violation
  • The approximate time of the incident
  • The circumstances surrounding the incident
  • The names and contact details of any other people involved in the incident

Contact a Board Member In Person

Approach a MnSearch board member or text Event Coordinator, Charlene Ditch, at 206-307-2015.

Contact the MnSearch Board via Email

If your issue does not require immediate attention, you are welcome to email the board at [email protected]

Report the Issue to Event Personnel

Approach anyone identified as staff, board or volunteer and they will direct you to the next best step to take.

If Your Safety Is Threatened

If there is a marked threat or the safety of anyone is in doubt, venue security and/or local police may be called (with your permission).

What Will Happen After a Report Is Received

At least one party from the Board and/or event team will communicate with the alleged harasser and make them aware of the report made against them. They will be given the chance to tell their side of the story. They will then be made aware of any of the actions that may be taken against them. This may include:

  • Providing a warning (verbal or written)
  • Requesting that the harasser cease interacting with the victim and maintain appropriate physical distance at all times
  • Disallowing attendees, speakers, sponsors or vendors who violate the Code of Conduct to participate in future MnSearch events
  • Requesting that the harasser leave immediately and to not return, without reimbursement of any fees related to the event

Thank You

Thank you for helping us make our events friendly, warm and welcoming to all who wish to be part of our community.

If you believe there are ways that we could improve this Code of Conduct, please reach out to us anytime at [email protected]