Code of Conduct
The U.S. Grains Council is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and staff. All participants, including but not limited to attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, service providers, and others, are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct.
This conduct applies to all U.S. Grains Council meeting-related events, including dinners and events sponsored by organizations other than USGC but held in conjunction with USGC events in public or private facilities. This meeting is open to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Persons who require reasonable accommodation or alternative means of communication (Braille, large-print, sign-language) or language interpretation should contact the industry relations department at (202) 215-8427 no later than July 15th, 2024.
As a USDA programs participant, the U.S. Grains Council is committed to complying with non-discrimination policies from federal, state, and local civil rights laws and those of the USDA. Visit the USDA website page (https//www.usda.gov/non-discrimination-statement) for details.
Unacceptable Behavior:
USGC reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate. Unacceptable behavior during live events includes but not limited to the following:
•Verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national religion, inappropriate use of nudity, and/or sexual images in public spaces or presentations, or threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, USGC staff member, service provider, or other meeting guests
•Disruption of presentations at sessions, in the exhibit hall, or at other USGC organized events
•Physical or verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, USGC staff members, service provider, or other meeting guest
USGC has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to: sexual harassment by participants or staff during the meeting.
If you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, USGC asks that you inform Helen Elmore, director of finance and administration, at helmore@grains.org so we can take the appropriate action.
Responsible Consumption of Alcohol
The U.S. Grains Council provides networking and offsite events where both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served. All USGC participants are expected to drink responsibly. USGC staff have the right to deny service to participants for any reason and may require a participant to leave the event.
Personal Safety and Security
The U.S. Grains Council works diligently to provide a safe and secure environment at its meetings and events. This requires both USGC staff and event venue staff to ensure all meeting participants are safe. We ask that all attendees report any questionable or concerning activity to USGC staff so they can take immediate action. No concern is too small; if you see something, say something.