Google’s Event Conduct Rules: What Attendees and Speakers Need to Know

Google applies a single set of conduct rules across all of its hosted events, whether they take place in person or online. The policy covers everyone involved: attendees, speakers, staff, partners, sponsors, and volunteers. The stated goal is an event experience free of harassment and inclusive of all participants, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, appearance, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or any other protected category.

Expectations for Participant Behavior

The policy sets two basic expectations for everyone at a Google event. First, treat others with respect. This means acknowledging that every participant has a right to be there and to enjoy the experience without fear of harassment, discrimination, or condescension. The policy specifically calls out micro-aggressions and asks participants to consider how their words would feel if directed at them.

Second, speak up. If you witness or experience disrespectful behavior, you are encouraged to politely engage with the person involved. The policy notes that someone making you uncomfortable may not realize they are doing so, and bringing it to their attention is often the first step toward resolution.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment

Google maintains a zero tolerance policy for harassment of any kind, in person or online. Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Stalking or following
  • Deliberate intimidation
  • Harassing photography or recording
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events
  • Offensive verbal language
  • Language that reinforces social structures of domination
  • Sexual imagery and language in public spaces
  • Inappropriate physical contact
  • Unwelcome sexual or physical attention
  • Physical or cyber threats

These prohibitions apply broadly across protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, body size, disabilities, appearance, religion, pregnancy, military status, neurodiversity, and social demographic. Harassment is not tolerated in any form of communication, including talks, forums, workshops, codelabs, and social media.

Reporting and Enforcement

When a participant is asked to stop harassing behavior, they are expected to comply immediately. Every allegation of a violation is reviewed under the zero tolerance policy, and Google says it will respond appropriately. To report behavior that makes you or others uncomfortable, participants can submit a report through Google’s designated reporting form.

Google reserves the right to refuse admittance to or remove any person from any hosted or future event at its sole discretion. This applies to disorderly conduct and failure to comply with the policy and its terms. Conference organizers may also take direct action against a violator, including warning or expelling the offender from the conference without a refund, or blocking the offender’s account from participating online.