The Southern Smoke Festival is more than just a culinary event—it’s a vibrant community that brings together chefs, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, attendees, and staff. Our mission is to celebrate food, culture, and community while supporting those in the food and beverage industry. We are committed to fostering an environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all participants.
Purpose
This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for behavior during the Southern Smoke Festival and provides guidance on how to report incidents of misconduct. Our goals are to:
- Educate our community about acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.
- Establish clear reporting mechanisms for misconduct.
- Describe our response process, including potential consequences.
- Provide resources and support for those affected by misconduct.
Scope
This policy applies to all individuals participating in the Southern Smoke Festival, including but not limited to:
- Employees
- Volunteers
- Contractors
- Vendors
- Sponsors
- Committee members
- Event attendees
- Other affiliates
It covers behavior at all festival-related events, whether in person or online, including:
- Official festival venues
- Sponsored events and after-parties
- Online platforms and social media channels associated with the festival
Core Values and Expectations
We expect all participants to:
- Respect personal boundaries: Obtain consent before physical contact and honor others’ comfort levels.
- Be mindful of power dynamics: Recognize and avoid exploiting positions of authority.
- Uphold professionalism: Engage in respectful communication and behavior that reflects positively on the festival community.
- Promote inclusivity: Celebrate diversity and ensure that all individuals feel welcome and valued.
Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviors are unacceptable and may result in removal from the festival and other consequences:
- Discrimination: Unjust treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, or any other protected class.
- Harassment: Unwelcome conduct (verbal, written, physical, psychological, or visual) that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
- Intimidation: Actions intended to control or cause harm to others or their property.
- Online harassment: Harmful or offensive conduct via digital platforms.
- Retaliation: Adverse actions against individuals for reporting misconduct or participating in investigations.
- Sexual exploitation: Taking sexual advantage of another person without consent, including non-consensual recording or sharing of sexual activity.
- Unwelcome physical contact: Touching someone without their permission.
Alcohol and Substance Use
While the Southern Smoke Festival may involve the responsible consumption of alcohol, we expect all participants to:
- Consume responsibly: Avoid excessive drinking that impairs judgment or behavior.
- Refrain from illegal substances: The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.
- Maintain professionalism: Alcohol or substance use does not excuse misconduct.
Reporting Misconduct
If you experience or witness misconduct, please report it promptly. You can:
- Contact festival leadership: Speak with a designated staff member or volunteer.
- Submit a report: Email info@southernsmoke.org.
We are committed to handling all reports with confidentiality and respect. If you witness or experience misconduct at the Southern Smoke Festival, you should report it to the appropriate authorities, including local law enforcement and onsite security.
Support and Resources
We are dedicated to supporting those affected by misconduct. Resources include:
Local support services:
- City of Houston 3-1-1: For general concerns and non-emergency issues at public events, contact the City of Houston’s 3-1-1 Service Center at 3-1-1 or 713.837.031 or visit https://www.houstontx.gov/311/.
- Houston Area Women’s Center: Provides vital safety information and resources both to victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence and to their family. Visit https://hawc.org/ for more information.
National resources:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
- VictimConnect Resource Center: (855) 484-2846
Conclusion
The Southern Smoke Festival is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all. By adhering to this Code of Conduct, we can ensure a positive environment that reflects our shared values and mission.
