Community Guidelines

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and collaborative environment throughout Arizona Tech Week. We believe a strong and engaged community thrives on open communication, diverse perspectives and shared values of professionalism and mutual respect. These Community Guidelines are designed to ensure everyone—regardless of role or background—feels welcome, safe and supported.

Event Host Responsibilities

As an event host, you play a central role in shaping the Arizona Tech Week experience. By organizing an event in association with Arizona Tech Week, you accept full responsibility for:

Venue Logistics – Selecting appropriate, safe and accessible spaces.
Content & Speakers – Curating relevant, inclusive and engaging programming.
Attendee Experience – Creating a positive, respectful and enriching environment.
Legal Compliance – Following all applicable local, state and federal regulations.
Security – Compliance with all security requirements of venue and local laws. Host may be required to provide security and/or request police presence.
Cost – Any costs associated with event.

Failure to uphold these responsibilities may result in your event’s removal from the official Tech Week calendar.

Event Approval Policy

Arizona Tech Week welcomes a wide range of events aligned with our values and mission. However, ACA maintains sole discretion over event approvals to ensure a high-quality experience across the ecosystem.

Events that will not be approved include:

Events misrepresenting intent – Misleading marketing, hidden sales agendas, or undisclosed affiliations.
Content that is discriminatory, harmful, or not aligned with our mission and values.

Reputation and Brand Alignment

As the lead coordinating organization, the Arizona Commerce Authority is dedicated to promoting Arizona as a national leader in innovation, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. We reserve the right to deny approval of any event that may present Arizona, its communities or its business climate in a negative, misleading or harmful light.

Events should reflect positively on the state and contribute to the collaborative, forward-thinking reputation of Arizona Tech Week.

Expected Participant Behavior

All participants—whether hosts, attendees, speakers or sponsors—are expected to help maintain a safe, inclusive and professional environment. By joining Arizona Tech Week, you agree to the following standards of conduct:

Respectful Communication

Treat others with courtesy and professionalism at all times.
Avoid personal attacks, insults, hostility or disruptive behavior.
Value diverse perspectives and be open to constructive dialogue.

Professional Conduct

Maintain a level of communication appropriate for a professional, multicultural environment.
Be mindful of how language and actions affect others, especially across different backgrounds and experiences.
Maintain respectful professional and personal boundaries at all times. Inappropriate sexual behavior, advances or comments are unacceptable in any professional setting and will not be tolerated.

No Harassment or Discrimination

Harassment or discrimination of any kind—including based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected status—is strictly prohibited.
Hate speech and offensive behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Safety and Well-Being

Prioritize the emotional and physical safety of all participants.
Report any dangerous situations or individuals in distress to event staff or venue security immediately.
Do not engage in behavior that could make others feel unsafe or threatened.

Compliance with Laws and Policies

Follow all state, federal, and agency policies, as well as specific instructions provided by event hosts, venue personnel or ACA representatives.

Platform Etiquette and Attendance Expectations

Arizona Tech Week operates as a community-driven, decentralized event series. As such, all attendees are expected to:

Honor RSVPs. Do not “bank” multiple event acceptances without intent to attend.
Follow any event-specific guidelines set by individual hosts.
Arrive prepared to participate thoughtfully and respectfully.
Avoid any behavior that disrupts sessions or diminishes the experience of others.
Abide by all terms and conditions of the Partiful platform.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of these Community Guidelines may result in remedial actions, including but not limited to:

Removal from an event, Partiful platform or other official Arizona Tech Week materials.
Referral to law enforcement if appropriate.

Acknowledgement

By participating in Arizona Tech Week in any capacity, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and support a collaborative, respectful and high-integrity innovation community.

Together, we are building a more connected and inclusive Arizona tech ecosystem.