GSE2026 Code of Conduct
Our Commitment to Safety, Respect and Inclusion
Global Startup Expo 2026 (GSE2026) is an international event that brings together people with diverse backgrounds, expertise and perspectives to turn new ideas and technological breakthroughs into real-world impact.
Open and creative exchange can only thrive in an environment where every person’s safety and dignity are protected and differences are respected.
GSE2026 is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive event where everyone can participate, speak and connect with confidence. We ask everyone involved in GSE2026—including attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, partners, media representatives, staff and volunteers—to understand and follow this Code of Conduct.
1. What We Value
Respect every person
Treat everyone with dignity, professionalism and consideration, regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or belief, appearance, health condition, social status, professional position or any other personal characteristic.
Listen to different perspectives
GSE2026 brings together people with different experiences, expertise, cultures and values. Listen with curiosity and engage in constructive dialogue. Challenging ideas is welcome; diminishing or attacking the people behind those ideas is not.
Respect personal boundaries and consent
Respect others’ decisions regarding conversation, physical contact, photography, recording, information sharing, exchanging contact details and continued communication. Consent should never be assumed. If someone declines or shows discomfort, respect their decision immediately.
Network responsibly
Networking should be based on mutual interest and respect. Persistent solicitation, excessive sales pressure, intimidation, or behavior that exploits differences in status, influence or authority is not appropriate at GSE2026.
Help create an environment where everyone can participate
Be mindful not only of your own behavior but also of what is happening around you. If you experience or witness behavior that causes concern or discomfort, please contact a GSE staff member or the designated support channel.
2. Harassment and Discrimination Are Not Accepted
GSE2026 does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, intimidation or other behavior that threatens another person’s safety, dignity or ability to participate.
Such behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Discriminatory, derogatory or offensive comments or materials relating to nationality, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or belief, appearance, health condition or other personal characteristics
- Unwanted sexual comments, questions, jokes, messages, images or physical contact
- Intimidation, threats, bullying, stalking, following, or repeated unwanted approaches
- Belittling, humiliating or deliberately excluding others, or persistently interrupting their participation
- Continuing a conversation, solicitation, communication or contact after being asked to stop
- Photography, recording, or sharing personal information or private conversations without permission
- Pressuring others to consume alcohol, or alcohol-related behavior that compromises another person’s safety or dignity
- Encouraging or supporting behavior that violates this Code of Conduct
- Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or assists with a report or response
Even when there was no intention to cause harm, GSE2026 will consider the impact of the behavior on others.
3. Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to everyone involved in GSE2026, including attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, partners, media representatives, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders.
It applies to GSE2026-related activities and communications, including:
- GSE2026 venues and programs during the event
- Networking activities and related events organized or officially recognized by GSE2026
- GSE2026-related communications through email, social media, messaging services and online platforms
4. Seeking Support or Reporting a Concern
If you experience or witness behavior that makes you or someone else feel unsafe or uncomfortable, please contact us as soon as possible.
You do not need to determine whether an incident formally constitutes harassment before seeking support. Reports may be made by the person directly affected, a witness, or someone who has received a concern from another person.
At the venue
Visit the GSE Support Desk or speak with a GSE staff member wearing a designated staff badge.
If there is an immediate threat or urgent safety concern, please contact venue security, the police, or emergency services directly.
5. How We Respond
GSE2026 will review concerns and reports with consideration for the safety, dignity and wishes of the people involved.
Information will be handled sensitively and shared only as reasonably necessary to assess and respond to the situation. In some circumstances, information may need to be shared with relevant organizations or authorities to ensure safety or comply with applicable obligations.
Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith or assists with a report or response will not be tolerated.
Depending on the circumstances, GSE2026 may take actions including:
- Speaking with the people involved
- Requesting that the behavior stop
- Issuing a warning
- Restricting access to particular programs or areas
- Removing an individual from the venue
- Suspending or revoking event access
- Contacting venue security, an affiliated organization, or relevant authorities
Any response will take into account the nature and impact of the behavior, the urgency of the situation and the safety of those involved.
6. Together for a Better GSE
A safe, respectful and inclusive environment depends on the participation of everyone involved in GSE2026.
Thank you for helping make GSE2026 a place where people can connect with confidence, exchange ideas openly and shape the future together.