WEF Events - Code of Conduct

You agree to treat all individuals with respect and create a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment. You will value a diversity of views and opinions by communicating openly with respect for others. You shall not verbally abuse any individual. You shall not discriminate, harass, or intimidate on the basis of gender, race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, physical appearance, age, religion, national origin, veteran status, citizenship, or professional rank.

Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. WEF management may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including removal from the event (and any remaining portions thereof) without warning and without refund of registration fee.

Additionally, if you are a WEF Member, you agree to uphold the WEF Member Code of Conduct while attending WEF Events.

Following a Code of Conduct allows WEF to create the best experience possible for all attendees.

Expected behavior:

  • Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
  • Attempt collaboration before conflict.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert WEF staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

Unacceptable Behavior:

  • Harassment and discrimination include any verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, race, age, national origin, or disability;
  • Inappropriate display, sharing or use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides);
  • Any physical or verbal intimidation, stalking or following of attendee(s); • Harassing, photographing or recording of attendee(s);
  • Sustained disruption of sessions, talks or other events;
  • Inappropriate physical contact, and any unwelcome sexual attention (physical or verbal); and
  • Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, threatening, intimidation, coercion, use of sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.

This Code of Conduct provides general guidelines and cannot cover every possible type of unacceptable behavior. Additional information relating to the WEF Member Code of Conduct is available on the WEF Policies page. The WEF Member Code of Conduct also governs conduct of WEF members at WEFTEC and all other WEF events.

In the event a matter must be addressed immediately, you may contact either the conference Ombuds or email the WEF executive director at executivedirector@wef.org

Differences of Opinion and Offense

To achieve the purposes of a event in the limited time provided, with the universal benefit of all participants’ being fully engaged, discussions should be focused on the meeting topic at hand. All participants must be able and welcome to equitably and effectively participate.  It is not a violation of these Terms and Conditions to express an opinion, raise research or describe an experience (“articulation”) that is at odds with the opinions of or is offensive to others—if the articulation is part of an on-point discussion of the Event topic at hand and is offered in a manner that does not interfere with others’ reasonable ability and welcome to participate fully. That means expressing differing positions with respect and consideration for all, in a manner that reflects intellectual rigor and is demonstrably mindful of minimizing, as reasonably possible, its potential adverse effect on others’ ability to participate.  (Offering an advance warning of the potential for impact on others is one way to demonstrate such respect and consideration for all.) It also means not making an articulation that is reasonably expected to cause offense gratuitously (i.e., unrelated or unnecessary for the work on that topic). It means not directing the articulation as a personal attack or put-down of an individual, and not dominating the discussion. It further means demonstrating consideration for anyone who appears to be in distress by promptly stopping the cause and demonstrating caring, while still pursuing a way to share pertinent information, with the WEF moderator’s assistance if needed.


Related WEF policies

Non-discrimination and Harassment

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Related Areas

Latest News
Latest News
EPA Campus RainWorks Challenge Names 11th Class of Winners
See more
Stormwater Professionals React to New FEMA Floodplain Standards
See more
'Living Shoreline' on Florida Campus Scraps Seawall in Favor of Seagrass
See more
Utility of the Future Today Program to Honor Innovative Utilities at WEFTEC 2024
See more
Porous Concrete to Combat Big Apple Overflows
See more
Upcoming WEF Events
Upcoming WEF Events
AWWA/WEF Utility Management Conference 2025
See more
Joint Conference: Residuals & Biosolids and Innovations in Treatment Technology
See more
WEF Webcasts
See more

Join or Renew Your WEF Membership Today

Connect with our community of water professionals who ensure that our local communities have access to clean water that protects public health. Explore our member benefits and find the membership type that’s right for you.

Join or Renew Online

Operations

From hands-on-training and leadership opportunities, such as Operations Challenge, to online training, such as the Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals series, WEF provides operators with many opportunities to advance on-the-job knowledge and develop their careers.

Learn More

Water & Wastewater Treatment

More than 16,000 publicly owned water resource recovery facilities operate in the United States. Skilled engineers and operators work together to ensure new and updated facilities continue to protect public health and the environment.

Learn More

Biosolids Resource Recovery

Through biosolids management, solid residue from wastewater treatment is processed to reduce or eliminate pathogens and minimize odors, forming a safe, beneficial agricultural product. Biosolids are carefully monitored and must be used in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Learn More

Industrial Water Resources

Industries treat and reuse wastewater and process water as well as provide environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment while reducing costs and maintaining value for their businesses.

Learn more

Utility Management

To respond to myriad daily challenges faced by water and wastewater utility leaders, WEF continuously works with its members and partners to develop a variety of management initiatives; resources; and educational, training, and networking opportunities.

Learn more

Government & Regulatory Affairs

WEF advocacy activities aim to educate WEF members and the water sector on public policy issues related to water quality and resources and equip them to play a greater role in water policy discussions.

Learn more

Collection Systems and Conveyance

The system of underground pipes and maintenance structures that convey wastewater has brought dramatic improvements to public health. Most sewers carry wastes from households and commercial establishments and are referred to as sanitary sewers.

Learn more

Stormwater & Watershed Management

Take a comprehensive look at how all water resources, including uplands, drainage basins, wetlands, stormwater, surface water, and groundwater interact.

Learn more

Public Health

The water sector and its systems protect public and ecological health. Using the data that can be collected through smart water technologies provides additional insights to address complex public health issues.

Learn more