Code of conduct

The Heartland Credit Union Association and its affiliates (collectively “HCUA”) believes unity and cooperation are critical to the success of our industry. To encourage collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea sharing, we are committed to a welcoming and respectful environment for all participants who attend HCUA meetings, conferences, and events regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, physical appearance or career level.

This Code of Conduct describes expectations of behavior and applies to all participants and staff at HCUA events, including attendees, guests, employees, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers. This Code of Conduct applies to all components of HCUA and events, including those sponsored by external organizations held in conjunction with HCUA events whether in private or public facilities, or in online environments.

Expected and required conduct 

• Accept responsibility and ownership for your own conduct.
• Treat all attendees with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views, ideas and opinions.
• Avoid personal attacks directed toward other participants, HCUA staff, suppliers/vendors and venue staff.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert available HCUA staff if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress or inappropriate conduct.
• Respect the rules and policies of the event organizer venue.
• If the event involves alcoholic beverages, consumption will be done responsibly.

Unacceptable participant behavior

• Harassment, bullying, discrimination in any form, or sexual harassment, including unwanted touching, hugging, or sexual advances of any kind.
• Posting or threatening to post another person’s personally identifying information.
• Using an illegal substance.
• Threatening, stalking, or physically or verbally abusing any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, HCUA staff, venue staff, service provider, or other event guest.
• Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behavior or language, including sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct, profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.
• Inappropriate use of nudity or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations,
• Wearing clothing that is not suitable for a professional work environment, that is provocative, inappropriate or otherwise potentially offensive.
• Encouraging other participants to engage in any of the above unacceptable behavior. 

Termination and consequences of unacceptable behavior 

• Anyone requested to cease unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately.
• HCUA staff, their designee or security may take any necessary and appropriate action to terminate the unacceptable behavior, including immediate removal of the participant from the event without warning or refund.
• HCUA may prohibit attendance at any future event. This includes prohibiting entire organizations from attendance at future events.

Reporting unacceptable behavior 

• If you are subjected to unacceptable behavior, have witnessed unacceptable behavior, or see a dangerous situation or someone in distress, please immediately notify available HCUA staff or security, or local law enforcement if applicable. Notification can be done in-person. You can also email your concern to:
  • Lisa Althoff Simmons, General Counsel, [email protected]
  • Andrea Robinson, Executive Director External Affairs and Philanthropy, [email protected]
  • Clint Armistead, Director of Events and Education, [email protected]
• Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety should contact 911. If possible, also alert venue staff and HCUA staff.