Event Participation Guidelines

By taking part in the NACTO member community, you agree to use the following principles in order to create a productive shared space that is inclusive of our unique experiences.

We ask you to commit to communicating, collaborating, and embodying behavior that is thoughtful, intentional, and recognizes power and privilege by: 

• Using “I” statements and being mindful to speak from our personal experience only.
• Choosing to be present and taking responsibility for the quality of your participation, and the conversation as a whole. We pay attention to our tone, demeanor, diction, body language, and impulses as we connect with one another.
• Being curious and listening actively by being open to perspectives that you haven’t heard before; listen actively to understand. 
• Balancing stepping up and stepping back by proactively sharing your perspective and experience with the group while still being mindful to allow others the space to share.
• Building versus repeating by focusing your feedback on building upon the conversation versus repeating points that have already been made by your colleagues.
• Looking  for connections as our work is interrelated and we have many similar goals and challenges.
• Encouraging growth by gathering insights from one another, respectfully challenging one another, and brainstorming ideas.
• Encouraging accountability by acknowledging missteps as we navigate our relationships and seeking to have more productive exchanges in the future.

NACTO is dedicated to ensuring that our forums and gatherings are an inclusive, respectful, productive, and harassment-free experience for everyone. We expect all attendees, speakers, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers to treat everyone with respect and to follow this code of conduct. 

NACTO has zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination at our events. This includes:

• Demeaning, intimidating, or threatening behavior or speech, including language that insults or demeans someone based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical/mental ability. 
• Inappropriate physical contact or unwanted sexual attention, including sexualized comments or jokes. You should have someone’s consent if touching or physically interacting with them. 
• Intimidation, stalking, or following. 

NACTO reserves the right to enforce this code of conduct by taking any action it deems appropriate, including but not limited to removing the participant from the event without a refund.

If you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior or have any other concerns at a NACTO-sponsored event, notify a NACTO staff member as soon as possible.

NACTO no longer requires masking at our in-person events. If you feel ill, please refrain from attending out of consideration for others at the event. For all events, you should take precautions according to your own health needs and comfort levels, and are welcome to take breaks, wear a mask, and take meals outside or to your room if needed. 

At the Designing Cities Conference, WalkShops, and at other in-person events, tours are prepared with safety in mind.  Follow tour leader and NACTO staff guidance, including wearing helmets and weather appropriate clothing, staying with the group, and bringing water and snacks.

We recognize that many people exist within marginalized identities and are sometimes targeted verbally or physically in their day-to-day lives. NACTO wants our attendees to feel supported while traveling for NACTO events. If you have any concerns, we recommend researching the local version of resources you rely on or would use in an emergency. 

Please email events@nacto.org:

• If you have any questions or recommendations.
• If you have any questions about the event location or traveling to the event location.
• To share accommodations that would make your experience of our event go more smoothly. We cannot guarantee we can provide all services, but if support is within our budget and capacity, we can help in that way. If not, we are happy to brainstorm ideas and options with you.