Code of Conduct Template for Philly Tech Week Hackathon

Introduction:

The Philly Tech Week Hackathon is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, respectful, and harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), technology choices, or skill level. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form.   

This Code of Conduct applies to all attendees, participants, sponsors, partners, volunteers, mentors, judges, and organizers ("participants") at all hackathon-related events, venues (physical and virtual), and communications channels (like Slack, Discord, email, social media).

All participants are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct throughout the event. Organizers will enforce this code, and participation implies agreement to abide by these standards.

Expected Behavior:

  • Be Respectful: Treat everyone with respect and consideration. Value diverse perspectives and experiences. Listen actively and communicate constructively.
  • Be Inclusive: Welcome and support people of all backgrounds and identities. Ensure that everyone feels safe and included.
  • Be Collaborative: Work together effectively. Offer support to fellow participants and celebrate each other's successes. Remember that this is a learning and community-building experience.
  • Be Mindful: Be aware of your surroundings and your fellow participants. Alert organizers if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem minor.     
  • Be Professional: Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.

Unacceptable Behavior:

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Harassment: Offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, religion, or technology choices. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any hackathon venue, including talks, workshops, parties, social media, or other online media.     
  • Intimidation: Deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording.
  • Disruption: Sustained disruption of talks, workshops, judging, or other events.
  • Inappropriate Contact: Inappropriate physical contact or unwelcome sexual attention.
  • Aggression: Physical or verbal threats or aggression.
  • Discrimination: Any form of discriminatory behavior or exclusion.
  • Advocating For or Encouraging Any of the Above Behavior.

Reporting Violations:

If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please report it immediately to the event organizers. Organizers will be clearly identifiable wearing Code&Coffee T-shirts, walking around in a frantic scramble.

You can make a report by:

  1. Finding an organizer in person.
  2. Contacting the designated safety contact: 
    • Email: code@codephiladelphia.com

All reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality to the extent possible while ensuring a thorough investigation. Your safety and well-being are our priority.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior:

Participants asked to stop any harassing or unacceptable behavior are expected to comply immediately.   

If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, the event organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including:   

  • Issuing a verbal warning.
  • Expulsion from the hackathon without refund (if applicable).
  • Banning from future Philly Tech Week events.
  • Reporting the behavior to venue security or local law enforcement.

Organizers reserve the right to determine the appropriate response to ensure the safety and inclusivity of the event.

Generative AI Game System Challenge Cash Prize Full Disclosure

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Open to residents of the United States who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry. Begins at 8:00 a.m. EST on 5/7/25 and ends at 1200 p.m. EST on 5/10/25. To enter, 

  1. submit the application to DevPost, 

  2. submit the project to DevPost by 12:00 p.m. ET on 5/10/25, and 

  3. present the Project at 1:00 p.m. ET on 5/10/25 at [To be Decided].

One winning team will win a $1,000 cash prize. YOU MUST BE WILLING TO TRAVEL, AT YOUR OWN COST, TO THE EVENT AT THIS TIME TO PRESENT IN ORDER TO ENTER AND BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN. For full Official rules, visit the following document link.

Acknowledgement:

By participating in the Philly Tech Week Hackathon, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.