Haystack US 2026 May 6 – until 7, 2026

Haystack is dedicated to providing a safe event experience for all participants involved including attendees, sponsors, vendors, staff, exhibitors, and anyone else that will be present at the event. Given that the responsibility of a safe in-person event is equally shared among event organizers, event vendors, event sponsors, and event attendees, Haystack has developed the following code of conduct and health & safety policy to which all participants need to abide by. 

This document outlines a collection of rules and regulations that include what is and is not acceptable or expected behavior and should serve as a reminder that if we all collectively respect the significance of this contribution, we are advocating for the well-being of our fellow global citizens.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of our attendees is our top priority. We will ensure reasonable precautions are in place in accordance with the guidance from the CDC, the Department of Health and Human Sciences and the Virginia Department of Health.

WAIVER - By buying a ticket to Haystack, you acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to communicable diseases exists in any public place where people are present. By attending this event, you agree that you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to communicable diseases. You acknowledge and agree that your attendance at this event is strictly voluntary.

We may revise this policy prior to the conference based on updated guidance from the CDC, the Department of Health and Human Sciences and the Virginia Department of Health, and attendees agree to comply with any such revised policy.

Code of Conduct 

Purpose

A primary goal of this Code of Conduct is to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, marital status, age, veteran status, or Military status

This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

We invite all those who participate in our events to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone.

Expected Behavior

• Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.
• 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 community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our community online, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community business. Community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

Harassment includes: harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images (including presentation slides); inappropriate depictions of violence (including presentation slides); deliberate intimidation, stalking or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior from any community member, including sponsors and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.

If a community member engages in unacceptable behavior, the community organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the community without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).

If You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify a community organizer as soon as possible. You can find a list of organizers to contact for each of the supporters of this code of conduct at the bottom of this page. Additionally, community organizers are available to help community members engage with local law enforcement or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behavior feel safe. In the context of in-person events, organizers will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.

Addressing Grievances

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify one of the event organizers with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.

Scope

We expect all community participants (contributors, paid or otherwise; sponsors; and other guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues—online and in-person—as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to community business.

License and attribution

Our Code of Conduct is based on Berlin Code of Conduct and is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. Berlin Code of Conduct is based on the pdx.rb Code of Conduct.

Person to contact in case of violation of the Code of Conduct:

John Woodell (jwoodell [at] opensourceconnections.com, +1 434 996 1991)