Safety and Code of Conduct

Every Fest must provide a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment. These requirements apply to both Hacktoberfest Hack Day and Hacktoberfest Meetup.

MLH Code of Conduct

Everyone involved in the Fest must follow the MLH Code of Conduct.

Before the event:

• Link the Code of Conduct from the OrganizerHQ event page and attendee communications.
• Identify the host or venue representative attendees can approach with a concern.
• Make sure volunteers know how to respond to a report and how to contact venue security or emergency services.
• Review the current MLH incident-reporting procedures and contact information in the Code of Conduct.

At the event, explain that harassment and abuse are not tolerated and that the policy applies throughout the venue and during every Fest-related activity. Escalate possible violations promptly and protect the privacy of anyone who reports a concern.

Emergency Plan

Create a written emergency plan and make it available to hosts and volunteers. Keep a physical or offline copy at the venue in case internet access is unavailable.

Plan for scenarios that are relevant to your venue, including:

• Fire, evacuation, or severe weather
• A medical emergency
• Power or internet failure
• Theft, missing equipment, or another security concern
• An attendee who is lost, distressed, or needs assistance
• A Code of Conduct report or other unsafe behavior

The plan should include:

• The venue address and evacuation routes
• Local emergency and non-emergency contact numbers
• Venue security and the on-site venue contact
• Lead host and backup host contact information
• Instructions for communicating with attendees during an incident
• A plan for pausing, relocating, or ending the event if necessary

At least one designated event lead must be present, reachable, and alert throughout the Fest. In an emergency, stay calm, isolate the immediate risk when it is safe to do so, and follow the directions of venue staff and emergency responders.

For more detailed planning guidance, see the main MLH Organizer Guide's Prepare Your Emergency Plan and Locking Down a Venue pages.

Accessibility and Venue Safety

Before attendees arrive, verify that:

• Entrances, program rooms, restrooms, and emergency exits are accessible.
• Walkways, power cables, equipment, and furniture do not create avoidable hazards.
• The venue’s capacity, fire, food, security, insurance, and visitor rules are understood.
• Attendees know how to request an accommodation or report a venue issue.
• Emergency exits and evacuation instructions are visible and unobstructed.

Contact [e-mail] if you need help applying these requirements to your approved Fest.