​Effective Date: January 9, 2026

 

Acceptance

This Code of Conduct (this “Code”) governs your access to and participation in all programs and events (“TENWEST Experience”) operated by or on behalf of Startup Tucson (“Startup Tucson,” “our,” “we,” or “us”). This Code is important and affects your legal rights, so please read it carefully. By attending a TENWEST Experience, or related event or service, you agree to be bound by this Code and all the terms incorporated herein by reference.

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You agree to be bound by this Code, and you represent that you have legal authority to do so. If you have accepted this Code on behalf of any person or entity, you represent that you have legal authority to do so and that such person or entity agrees to be responsible to us if you or such person or entity violates this Code. If you do not agree to every provision of this Code, you may not, and we do not, authorize you to attend or participate in any TENWEST Experience.

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By attending the TENWEST Experience, you represent and warrant that you have not been previously suspended or removed from a TENWEST Experience or engaged in any activity that could result in suspension or removal from the TENWEST Experience.

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You further understand and agree that, in addition to this Code, our Privacy Policy located at www.tenwest.com/privacy-policy, Event Policy located at www.tenwest.com/event-policies and our Terms of Use located at www.tenwest.com/terms-conditions (collectively, the “Terms”) shall govern your access to and participation in the TENWEST Experience. In the event of any conflict between this Code and the Terms, the Terms shall govern. We encourage you to read all of the foregoing, in addition to this Code, so that you understand your obligations.

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Purpose

Startup Tucson is dedicated to providing a safe, harassment-free, and inclusive experience for all participants regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category. Startup Tucson fosters an inclusive community that values respectful collaboration, open exchange of ideas, and the dignity of every participant. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or behavior that undermines the safety or participation of others or attendees in any form. We take violations of our policies and Code seriously and will respond appropriately. This Code outlines our expectations for behavior and explains the process for addressing unacceptable conduct.

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​Scope

This Code applies to (1) all participants of any TENWEST Experience, including attendees, collaborators, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff, and (2) all TENWEST Experience-related venues, online platforms, and communications, including emails, chats, talks, forums, workshops, social media, and social events.

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Expected Behavior

Participants are expected to act with professionalism and integrity. Treat others with respect, empathy, and consideration at all times. Exercise good judgment, be mindful of your surroundings, and respect boundaries—personal, professional, and creative. Honor the flow of the program by arriving on time, minimizing disruptions, and following the directions of event staff and venue personnel.

You agree to comply with all applicable laws and venue rules regarding alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substances. Public intoxication, possession or use of illegal substances, or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated. Observe posted safety guidance, including fire codes, capacity limits, and health and wellness protocols.

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You agree to wear your badge visibly at all times and access only the areas indicated by your registration. Do not share or forge credentials. Follow staff instructions regarding re-entry, lines, and seating. You agree to help us maintain clean, welcoming environments. You agree to dispose of trash properly, care for exhibits and installations, and avoid damaging property. Be considerate in shared spaces, including queues, lounges, restrooms, and outdoor areas.

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We want the event to be an excellent experience for everyone. You agree to:

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• Be excellent to all participants, which includes: 

  • Treating everyone with respect.

  • Participating in a TENWEST Experience and acknowledging that everyone deserves to be present at any TENWEST Experience and has the right to enjoy any TENWEST Experience without fear of harassment, discrimination, or condescension, whether blatant or via micro-aggression.

  • Ensuring that your jokes and comments do not demean, harm, or harass others.

  • Consider what you are saying and how it would feel if it were said to or about you.

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• Speak up if you see or hear something, which includes: 

  • Politely engaging when you or others are disrespected, if you choose to engage. The person making you feel uncomfortable may not be aware of their actions, so politely bringing their behavior to their attention is encouraged.

  • Not tolerating harassment.

  • Reporting any concern immediately, as directed below, if you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns.

  • Retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

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• Practice saying “Yes and” to each other. This is a theatre improv technique to build on each other’s ideas. We all benefit when we create together.

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Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination in any form; offensive verbal language or verbal language that reinforces social structures of domination related to gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, or other protected category; deliberate intimidation; stalking or following; sustained disruption of talks or events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention. This also includes the creation or display of offensive or sexually explicit imagery in public spaces; targeted harassment online or offline; doxxing; or any behavior that compromises the wellbeing or participation of others.

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You agree that you will not commit any unacceptable conduct (as referenced above), or any conduct that may harm or harass any individual, at a TENWEST Experience, and you acknowledge that we do not tolerate such conduct. You may be asked to immediately cease any behavior that we deem unacceptable conduct, in our exclusive and sole discretion. You agree that we may, in our sole discretion and without prior warning to you, exclude you from the TENWEST Experience, as well as future related events, without any refund or compensation to you therefor.

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Reporting a Concern

If you experience or witness conduct that you believe violates this Code, you agree to notify a member of the TENWEST Experience staff immediately. TENWEST Experience staff can be identified by special badges and/or attire.

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Alternately, you may submit a report confidentially by emailing reporting@startuptucson.com or 540-477-8278 or P.O. Box 1214, Tucson, AZ 85702.

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While we take all concerns seriously, we reserve the right to use our discretion in determining any action we may elect to take for reported incidents. You agree that we may, without incurring liability and responsibility, decline to take action and/or direct you or the participant to other resources for resolution.

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Consequences of Misconduct

You agree that the TENWEST Experience organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, whether relating to your harassing or inappropriate behavior or otherwise, including, but not limited to:

• Providing you with a verbal warning

• Expelling you from the TENWEST Experience

• Removing you from future TENWEST Experience participation

• Contacting your employer, any professional association, and/or any appropriate authorities

 

Sponsor, Collaborator, and Exhibitor Expectations

You acknowledge that sponsors, collaborators, and exhibitors are required to adhere to this Code, and that all promotional materials, communications, and activities must align with the TENWEST Experience purpose and values. Participation by these individuals or organizations does not constitute an endorsement of any kind by Startup Tucson. Startup Tucson does not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the quality, accuracy, effectiveness, or results of any materials, communications, and activities provided by sponsors, collaborators, and exhibitors, and expressly disclaims responsibility, warranties, and liability relating thereto.

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Updates and Questions

We may revise this Code at any time for any reason, with or without notice to you. If we elect to provide notice, we may do so by any reasonable means. Except to the extent applicable law requires your express consent, you agree that your attendance at a TENWEST Experience constitutes your consent and agreement to any revised Code. If you do not agree to the revised Code, you may not, and we do not authorize you to, attend the TENWEST Experience.

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Questions about this Code may be directed to info@startuptucson.com.

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​Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

 

THIS CODE IS INTENDED TO PROMOTE A RESPECTFUL AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT; HOWEVER, STARTUP TUCSON DOES NOT REPRESENT OR WARRANT THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS OR ATTENDEES WILL COMPLY WITH THIS CODE OR THAT INCIDENTS OF HARASSMENT OR MISCONDUCT WILL NOT OCCUR. PARTICIPATION IN THE TENWEST EXPERIENCE IS AT YOUR SOLE DISCRETION AND RISK, AND THIS CODE DOES NOT CREATE A CONTRACT, LEGAL DUTY, OR CAUSE OF ACTION, AGAINST STARTUP TUCSON. STARTUP TUCSON IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OR STATEMENTS OF PARTICIPANTS, SPONSORS, COLLABORATORS, OR EXHIBITORS. HOWEVER, STARTUP TUCSON WILL ENDEAVOR TO RESPOND TO ANY REPORTED VIOLATIONS IN ANY MANNER WE DEEM APPROPRIATE.

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TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL STARTUP TUCSON BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS CODE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY OR RESULTING FROM RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM STARTUP TUCSON OR FROM EVENTS BEYOND STARTUP TUCSON’S REASONABLE CONTROL, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SIMPLE NEGLIGENCE, WHETHER ACTIVE, PASSIVE, OR IMPUTED), OR ANY OTHER LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY, EVEN IF STARTUP TUCSON HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE.

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TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF STARTUP TUCSON ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS CODE EXCEED TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200). THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY EVEN IN THE EVENT YOUR REMEDIES HEREUNDER FAIL OF THEIR ESSENTIAL PURPOSE, AND THE FOREGOING SHALL CONSTITUTE STARTUP TUCSON’S SOLE LIABILITY AND OBLIGATION IN RESPECT HEREOF.