OpenRoom Code of Conduct
Our Commitment
OpenRoom, part of CloserStill Media, is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and professional environment for everyone participating in our events.
We expect all participants to behave respectfully, courteously and professionally towards fellow attendees, buyers, suppliers, sponsors, speakers, event staff and venue partners.
Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation and other inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.
This Code of Conduct applies to all OpenRoom events and associated activities, including:
- Conferences, presentations and one-to-one meetings
- Networking sessions, drinks receptions and dinners
- Organised social activities, excursions and offsite events
- Event-related digital platforms and communications
Compliance with this Code of Conduct is a condition of participation.
Expected Behaviour
All participants are expected to:
- Treat others with dignity, courtesy and respect, regardless of their background, identity or position.
- Communicate professionally and consider how their words and actions may affect others.
- Respect personal boundaries and avoid unwanted attention or physical contact.
- Conduct business interactions professionally, without undue pressure, intimidation or inappropriate behaviour.
- Respect the privacy of other participants, particularly regarding photography, recordings and personal information.
- Follow reasonable instructions from OpenRoom staff and venue representatives.
Participants should recognise that behaviour intended as humour, including offensive jokes or inappropriate comments, may cause distress or offence to others.
Unacceptable Behaviour
Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:
- Discrimination or offensive comments relating to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, disability, physical appearance or socioeconomic background.
- Unwelcome sexual attention, advances, comments or inappropriate physical contact.
- Bullying, intimidation, threatening behaviour or aggressive conduct.
- Stalking, persistent unwanted attention or following another participant.
- Inappropriate photography, filming or sharing of personal information without consent.
- Excessive swearing, offensive jokes or language that creates an intimidating or hostile environment.
- Deliberately disrupting meetings, presentations or other event activities.
- Continuing behaviour after being asked to stop.
Participants who are asked to stop inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
Professional Conduct at Hosted-Buyer Events
OpenRoom events are designed to facilitate meaningful business relationships through structured meetings and networking.
We expect buyers and suppliers to engage professionally, respecting the time, commitments and boundaries of other participants.
Commercial relationships, seniority or sponsorship status must never be used to exert inappropriate pressure or influence over another participant.
Our standards of conduct apply equally during formal meetings and informal networking activities. Alcohol consumption does not excuse inappropriate behaviour.
All participants are expected to maintain professional standards throughout the event, including during evening functions and organised offsite activities.
Breaches of the Code of Conduct
Where a participant engages in behaviour that breaches this Code of Conduct, OpenRoom reserves the right to take appropriate action, including:
- Issuing a formal or informal warning.
- Requiring the individual to cease the behaviour immediately.
- Removing the individual from a meeting, activity or event.
- Excluding the individual from future OpenRoom events.
- Referring serious incidents to venue security or relevant law enforcement authorities.
Where appropriate, participants may be removed from an event without reimbursement of participation fees, subject to applicable law and contractual terms.
Actions will be determined according to the nature and seriousness of the incident.
Reporting Concerns
If you experience or witness harassment, discrimination or any behaviour that breaches this Code of Conduct, we encourage you to report it as soon as possible.
Concerns can be raised through:
- An OpenRoom team member onsite, who can assist or direct you to the appropriate person.
- The Event Director or designated Code of Conduct contact.
- Our confidential reporting channel: o.hughes@closerstillmedia.com
All reports will be treated seriously, sensitively and as confidentially as reasonably possible. Information will only be shared with individuals who need it to investigate or respond appropriately, or where disclosure is legally required.
OpenRoom will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
Our priority is to ensure that all participants feel safe and supported throughout the event.
Participant Reporting Procedure
If you wish to report an incident:
- Contact an OpenRoom team member, the Event Director or the designated reporting contact.
- Provide as much relevant information as you feel comfortable sharing, including:
- The name or company of those involved, if known
- A description of what happened
- The approximate date, time and location
- Any witnesses or other relevant information
- An OpenRoom representative will assess the concern and determine the appropriate next steps.
- Where necessary, appropriate action will be taken to safeguard those involved and address the reported behaviour.
You are not expected to investigate the incident yourself or confront the individual concerned.
Where an incident presents an immediate risk to safety, please contact venue security or local emergency services.
Our Commitment to Participants
OpenRoom is committed to maintaining an environment where everyone can participate confidently, professionally and without fear of harassment or discrimination.
By attending an OpenRoom event, all participants agree to uphold these standards and contribute to a positive experience for everyone.
Report a Concern
Oliver Hughes, Senior Portfolio Director o.hughes@closerstillmedia.com