Photo Credit: izusek
Conferences can be an amazing setting to connect with people within an industry. We have been so proud to act as a sponsor for the National Sexual Assault Conference because we believe in the power of networking to educate and find solutions, particularly as it pertains to sexual assault prevention. However, conferences can also be unfamiliar settings that may pose an increased risk of sexual misconduct for employees. In the past, we have written about workplace harassment outside of office hours or office buildings. This week, we’re expanding on this idea by discussing the unique factors that make sexual misconduct at conferences possible and what employers can do to mitigate those factors.
Conferences are a unique experience amongst colleagues for a variety of reasons. They are compelled to interact with people they do not know outside of their workplace. They are unfamiliar with the setting. For multi-day conferences, they may even be sleeping at a hotel alongside their work peers. People come from a variety of work cultures that may have different norms or policies about unacceptable behavior. If bad behavior takes place, attendees may not even be aware of the appropriate reporting channels.
These vulnerabilities manifest into real harm. The Professional Convention Management Association reports in one study, “Women’s Professional Conference Experience & Impact Study: Examining the Impact of Professional Conferences on Women’s Careers”, the following:
“sexual harassment is a disturbingly common experience for female attendees. Almost half, 45 percent, reported they personally were sexually harassed or received unwanted advances at a professional conference, 86 percent of which said the harassment took place at a coed event.”
This finding is far from isolated. Ensono’s Speak Up 2020 report found 39% of keynote speakers and 29% of attendees at tech events experienced sexual harassment. Conferences in male-dominated industries tend to experience this issue more frequently than women-only conferences. This means that we have much work to do to ensure co-ed conference environments are safe and respectful to all attendees.
Below are some of our recommendations to make conferences safer from sexual misconduct.
Write Up and Distribute a Clear Code of Conduct
In the “Women’s Professional Conference Experience” study listed above, “Two thirds of the women surveyed agreed that it was important for conference organizers to create a code of conduct for their events.” Having guidelines for what is and isn’t acceptable behavior, and the consequences of misbehavior, not only provides clarity for all but also empowers attendees to advocate for themselves. Unsure where to start in this policy development? RALIANCE would be happy to work with any employer interested in amending their policies to create safer conference atmospheres.
Have Clear Reporting Channels for Attendees
If an attendee experiences sexual misconduct at a conference, they may not be sure where to turn. This is especially true if the perpetrator is an industry leader they are typically not in contact with. Sharing amongst attendees which safe contacts are on-site or what anonymous reporting channels are available expands options for survivors. We believe everyone who experiences sexual misconduct, at a conference or elsewhere, deserves to know about all reporting options available so that they can make the best choice for themselves. Attendees should also be aware of what the process looks like after a report is filed so that they can make a clear-eyed decision about what to do next.
Survey Attendees to Ask for Safety Recommendations Specific to the Conference
Every industry, field, and event has elements that make them unique. Safety measures that work for one conference may not be applicable to another. The people best suited to discuss the safety at a conference are the attendees themselves. Conduct a post-conference survey and ask what safety measures they think should be implemented for the next event. When an industry comes together with this kind of open dialogue and commitment to bettering themselves, change is possible!
Conferences must be a time of connection, conversation, learning, and evolution. No one should feel they need to risk disrespect or their safety for this opportunity. As time passes, we look forward to seeing how conferences continue to rise to the challenge and transform to make all their attendees feel safe and valued.
RALIANCE is a trusted adviser for organizations committed to building cultures that are safe, equitable, and respectful. RALIANCE offers unparalleled expertise in serving survivors of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse which drives our mission to help organizations across sectors create inclusive environments for all. For more information, please visit www.RALIANCE.org.
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