NOEW Code of Conduct

(For Speakers, Attendees, Volunteers, Sponsors, Exhibitors, and All Participants)

New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) exists to bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, and changemakers to advance inclusive economic growth, foster new ideas, and challenge perspectives in constructive ways.

We believe rigorous, even uncomfortable, conversations are vital for innovation — but discourse must always be grounded in respect, empathy, and integrity. This Code of Conduct ensures that all participants can engage safely and meaningfully, in alignment with NOEW’s values of inclusion and civic leadership.

This Code applies to all NOEW events, including in-person, hybrid, and virtual programs, as well as any related communications or social gatherings. By participating in NOEW, you agree to uphold these principles. 

Expected behavior:

  • All participants are expected to:

    • Engage respectfully. Challenge ideas, not individuals; use inclusive, non-derogatory language; and welcome differing viewpoints.

    • Be mindful and civil. Respect others’ physical, emotional, and intellectual boundaries. Avoid interrupting, heckling, or dominating conversations.

    • Use content responsibly. If presenting sensitive, political, or controversial material, provide a content advisory so attendees can make informed choices.

    • Respect privacy and consent. Do not photograph, record, or quote others without explicit permission.

    • Follow event and venue rules. Comply with directions from NOEW staff, volunteers, and security personnel.

    • Model professionalism. Demonstrate integrity and kindness in all interactions, both in sessions and informal spaces.

Unacceptable behavior:

The following are not tolerated at NOEW:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination of any kind.

  • Threatening, violent, abusive, or demeaning language or conduct.

  • Sexual harassment, unwanted advances, or inappropriate physical contact.

  • Stalking, following, or repeated unwelcome attention.

  • Recording, photographing, or sharing private content without consent.

  • Disruptive or deliberately disrespectful behavior during sessions or events.

  • Retaliation against anyone for reporting misconduct.

  • NOEW programming may address challenging or controversial issues. Speakers and attendees are asked to:

    • Include content warnings for sensitive subjects.

    • Frame perspectives in ways that encourage learning rather than polarization.

    • Allow space for differing opinions without hostility or personal attacks.

    • Trust moderators and NOEW staff to guide discussions with fairness and care.

  • If you experience or witness unacceptable behavior:

    1. If safe, address it directly. A polite request to stop may resolve the issue.

    2. Report it to NOEW staff or volunteers immediately.

    3. Provide details — who, when, where, and what occurred.

    4. If immediate danger exists, contact venue security or law enforcement first.

    Reports will be handled with discretion. Identities and details will be shared only as needed to investigate or resolve the issue. If contact information is provided, NOEW will follow up with the reporter regarding the outcome whenever possible.

  • NOEW may take any action necessary to maintain a safe, welcoming environment, including:

    • Verbal or written warnings

    • Removal from sessions or events without refund

    • Revocation of credentials

    • Ban from future NOEW participation

    • Notification of appropriate authorities or institutional representatives

  • Because the NOEW Summit takes place on the campus of Loyola University New Orleans, Loyola reserves the right to implement any actions, protocols, or procedures deemed necessary to ensure the safety, security, and integrity of the campus community and facilities.

    All public participants—including attendees, speakers, exhibitors, vendors, and guests—are expected to follow all Loyola University rules, regulations, and policies, whether these are written, posted, or communicated verbally by Loyola representatives, event organizers, or campus security.

    Loyola personnel and authorized affiliates may intervene, restrict access, or remove individuals from university property if conduct, behavior, or circumstances pose a risk to safety, disrupt university operations, or violate established policy.

  • As a program produced by Loyola University New Orleans Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development:

    Violations of this Code that also breach university policy may be referred to the appropriate Loyola office for review and action under university processes.

  • From Section 2B: "All campus protests, demonstrations, and/or similar forms of expression or conduct taking place on campus must be approved by the Department of Student Life and Ministry and registered with the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee in advance of the activities taking place so that the Vice President of Student Affairs, or their designee, can take the following steps:"

    Read the complete Student Code of Conduct here.

    Loyola students who are registered to attend NOEW events on Loyola’s campus are still required to adhere to Loyola’s Student Code of Conduct, as well as NOEW rules and guidelines.

Acknowledgment

By attending, speaking at, volunteering for, sponsoring, or exhibiting at NOEW, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood this Code of Conduct.

  • You agree to comply with it fully.

  • You understand that NOEW and Loyola University New Orleans reserve the right to enforce it in the interest of community safety and integrity.