BISG Code of Conduct
The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and accessible environment for all participants in BISG activities, whether in person or virtual. Creating this environment is a shared responsibility; mutual respect, along with cooperation and understanding, must be the basis of interaction between individuals.
This Code of Conduct applies to all attendees, speakers, staff, board members, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, or any other individuals or entities otherwise present or participating in BISG activities, collectively “participants.” As such, participants are expected to comply with the standards set forth in this Code of Conduct and to otherwise conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner. BISG will neither tolerate nor condone discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment, physical or verbal intimidation, and abuse.
Standards of Conduct
Inclusivity & Respect
Inclusivity is a core pillar of BISG; we believe that a diverse range of experiences and perspectives is absolutely necessary in building a thriving and healthy industry. To that end, BISG is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, and professional perspective. Participants in BISG activities are asked to respect personal pronouns, when disclosed. Participants are also expected to engage respectfully across differences and contribute to an inclusive and professional atmosphere.
Harassment
Harassment of any kind is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal, physical, visual, or digital conduct that intimidates, demeans, excludes, or harms another participant.
Prohibited conduct includes offensive comments, unwanted attention, intimidation, and disruptive or unwelcome advocacy that interferes with a participant’s experience at an activity. Harassment may consist of a single incident or a pattern of behavior with a lasting impact on a participant.
Professional Conduct
Participants must behave in a manner that supports a productive, respectful, and disruption-free environment. Any promotion of hate, religious or anti-religious proselytization, sexism, unwelcome advocacy, and other behaviors that interfere with a participant’s experience at any activity is prohibited, as are solicitation, promotion, and distribution of materials that interfere with the experience at an activity.
Antitrust Compliance
Because BISG is a membership organization with participants from the entire publishing supply chain, BISG is subject to applicable antitrust and competition laws, which proscribe combinations and conspiracies in restraint of trade, monopolies and attempts to monopolize, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. All participants in BISG activities must refrain from discussions or conduct that could constitute or be perceived as violations of applicable antitrust and competition laws, including but not limited to discussions regarding pricing, market allocation, group boycotts, or competitively sensitive information.
For more information, read BISG’s Antitrust Guidelines.
Privacy and Content Use
Anonymity & Right to Privacy
Participants should respect the privacy of others when sharing content from BISG meetings and events. When sharing photos, videos, or quotes online, participants are encouraged to ask permission first. Photos, video, or quotes should not be shared publicly without the consent of the individuals involved. Participants who share content are expected to remove it promptly if asked to do so.
Registration for BISG events constitutes a participant’s consent to audio and visual recording by BISG for purposes consistent with its mission.
Read BISG’s Privacy Policy in full here.
Recording and Content Sharing
Recording, photographing, screenshotting, or otherwise reproducing and sharing presentations, slides, or other activity content without explicit credit to BISG and the speakers is prohibited.
Use of AI Tools
BISG understands that use of AI is rapidly evolving and is a sensitive topic to many. In order to protect participant privacy and the integrity of the activities, the use of AI tools—including automated note-takers or virtual assistants that record or transmit event content—is subject to agreement amongst participants. BISG reserves the right to remove or restrict the access of AI tools to participants BISG activities at its discretion.
For more info on BISG’s approach to AI, read BISG’s AI Transparency Statement.
Accessibility
BISG is committed to ensuring that its activities are accessible to all participants, including those with disabilities. Participants contributing content to activities are encouraged to include accessibility features and follow best practices for accessibility. Participants requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact BISG staff in advance of an activity so that reasonable accommodations can be arranged.
Enforcement and Reporting
Actions
Violations of this Code of Conduct, as determined by BISG in its sole discretion, may result in action based on the severity and context of the behavior. Actions which may be taken by BISG include but are not limited to:
- Monitoring behavior
- Issuing a warning
- Removal from an activity
- Restriction from participating in future BISG activities
BISG reserves the right to remove or exclude any participant or materials that violate this Code of Conduct. This right extends to virtual and in-person meetings as well as platforms where BISG is sharing or hosting content.
Reporting a Violation
Anyone who experiences or witnesses conduct that violates or may violate this Code of Conduct is encouraged to report it as soon as possible to a BISG staff member or through our contact form. Reports may be made anonymously, although anonymous reports may limit BISG’s ability to investigate or take action.
BISG reviews all reports in a timely manner and responds as appropriate. Reports will be handled with appropriate discretion, and information will be shared only to the extent necessary to investigate and address the reported conduct. Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith will be considered a violation of this Code of Conduct.
Questions or Feedback
Questions or suggestions about BISG’s Code of Conduct are invited. Please use our contact form to reach a member of the BISG team.