Code of Conduct

Herein lies the Code of Conduct for the
Bluebird Studios and Ann Arbor SPARK
Michigan Game Development Conference 2025.

Final Authority

Bluebird Studios, LLC (Michigan) is the final authority of the Bluebird Studios and Ann Arbor SPARK Michigan Game Development Conference 2025 event taking place on March 28-30, 2025.
Because of this, Bluebird Studios, LLC (Michigan) assumes final responsibility and liability as the primary conference organizer for this event.
Furthermore, Bluebird Studios, LLC (Michigan) endeavors to reasonably uphold this Code of Conduct to the best of its abilities.

Conference Policy

Overview

We are committed to creating a professional environment for all conference participants.
This Code of Conduct applies to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, regardless of whether they are attending remotely or in person.
By participating in this conference, you agree to uphold these standards of behavior.

Expected Behavior

We ask all participants to:

Be respectful and considerate in interactions with others, both online and in-person.
Actively listen to others and engage with an open mind, especially in discussions where viewpoints may differ.
Be kind, inclusive, and supportive of others’ participation.
When sharing knowledge, feedback, and ideas to do so in a professional and constructive manner.
Abide by all relevant laws and regulations, including those specific to the building or venue where the event is hosted.

Unacceptable Behavior

Any behavior by participants that is disruptive or harmful is discouraged and will not be tolerated.
This includes, but is not limited to:

Inappropriate comments based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other personal characteristic.
Threats, intimidation, or violence (physical or verbal).
Inappropriate language, gestures, or behavior in presentations, discussions, or networking events.
Disruptive behavior in online channels, including chatrooms, video conferences, or social media associated with the event.
Unwelcome or inappropriate advances of any kind.
Illegal activities or substance abuse.

Venue-Specific Policies

Participants who attend the conference in person are expected to:

Abide by the specific policies set by the building or venue that is hosting the event. This may include policies regarding safety, food and drink, security, and prohibited items.
Follow all health and safety guidelines or any other safety protocols in place at the venue.
Respect the shared spaces, including common areas, meeting rooms, and any other facilities provided by the event host.
Adhere to any applicable regulations regarding photography or video recording at the venue.
Respect others' privacy and refrain from unreasonably recording conference sessions or taking screenshots without prior consent.
(for example, reasonable conference recording/screenshots would include non-monetary purposes for parts of sessions such as for personal memories, portfolios, or even social media posts)

Remote Participation Guidelines

For those attending remotely, please be mindful of the following:

Ensure that your equipment (e.g., camera, microphone, internet connection) is functioning properly before the event begins.
Maintain a professional and respectful environment during online discussions and presentations.
Avoid distractions, interruptions, and any disruptive actions while participating in virtual sessions.
Use your real name or an appropriate username to participate in online chats and discussions.
Respect others' privacy and refrain from unreasonably recording conference sessions or taking screenshots without prior consent.
(for example, reasonable conference recording/screenshots would include non-monetary purposes for parts of sessions such as for personal memories, portfolios, or even social media posts)

Reporting and Consequences of Violations

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, we encourage you to report it as soon as possible:

In-Person Participants: Please notify event staff or a volunteer immediately.
Remote Participants: Use the designated reporting email or chat option to notify event organizers.

Reports will be taken seriously and handled confidentially whenever possible.
Depending on the severity of the violation, the following actions may be taken:

A private warning to the individual(s) involved.
Removal from specific sessions or events during the conference.
Removal from the entire conference, whether online or in person, without refund (for if a sponsor paid and violated the Code of Conduct).
In the case of severe violations, involvement of law enforcement.

Participants Subject to this Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to:

All registered conference participants, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, sponsors, and staff.
All registered conference participants accessing conference-related online spaces, such as discussion forums, social media groups, and live streams.
All registered conference participants who engage in conference-related activities both during the event and in any official pre- or post-event interactions (e.g., networking, social media posts).

Enforcement and Responsibilities

The conference organizers (primarily Bluebird Studios, LLC (Michigan)) are responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct.
They may take any reasonable action deemed appropriate for violations.

Participants should respect the decisions of the organizers and event staff regarding enforcement.
We reserve the right to update or modify the Code of Conduct at any time. Participants will be notified of any changes.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Code of Conduct or wish to report an incident, please contact us at:

Email: paul@bluebirdstudios.org
Phone: (231) 735-6923
Online Platform: www.bluebirdstudios.org

Bluebird Studios and Ann Arbor SPARK

Michigan Game Development Conference 2025