Lipedema World Congress 2027 Logo

PARTICIPANT

CODE OF CONDUCT

Lipedema World Congress III & Lipoedema Australia Conference VII

(together, the “Events”)

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct outlines the behaviour expected from all attendees, including organisers, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and participants.

By registering for or attending either Event, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct when engaging onsite, through any online platforms, and in connection with Event‑related activities on social media.

This Code applies to all participants, including clinicians, researchers, students, patient advocates, people living with lipoedema, supporters, and industry representatives.

Expected Behaviour

All participants are expected to:

  • Treat all participants with respect, professionalism, and courtesy, regardless of role, background, or lived experience.
  • Engage in open and constructive dialogue, while being mindful of the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of others.
  • Be considerate of others’ viewpoints and experiences, even if they differ from your own.
  • Maintain a harassment‑free environment, free from discrimination, intimidation, or offensive behaviour based on race, colour, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, physical appearance, body shape or size, weight, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic.
  • Respect the privacy, dignity, and personal space of others, including in conversations, Q&A sessions, networking, and on social media.
  • Use person‑first, non‑stigmatising language, particularly when discussing lipoedema, body size, appearance, or treatment choices.
  • Obtain explicit consent before taking photographs, audio, or video of other participants, and respect requests not to be photographed or recorded.
  • Respect session rules, including use of microphones, time limits, and any instructions from chairs, moderators, or Event staff.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, particularly in interactions between clinicians/researchers and people living with lipoedema. Discussions about individual cases or treatment should not constitute personal medical advice outside of appropriate clinical contexts.

Additional Responsibilities for Presenters

Presenters at the Events are expected to:

  • Respect the diversity of opinions, research findings, and clinical approaches represented at the Events, and refrain from disparaging or dismissing the work of other presenters, delegates, or organisations.
  • Ensure that any patient information, images, or stories included in their presentation are used with appropriate consent and de‑identification, and in accordance with applicable privacy and ethical requirements.
  • Disclose any relevant conflicts of interest at the commencement of their presentation, in line with the Events’ disclosure requirements.
  • Use person‑first, non‑stigmatising language and avoid making unsupported claims regarding treatment efficacy or safety.

Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Harassment, including but not limited to:
  • Offensive, derogatory, or demeaning verbal or written comments
  • Unwelcome advances, following, stalking, or intimidation
  • Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact
  • Unwelcome sexual attention or comments of a sexual nature
  • Discrimination or exclusion based on race, colour, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, physical appearance, body shape or size, weight, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic.
  • Body‑shaming or appearance‑based comments, including negative comments about body shape, weight, clothing, appearance, or treatment choices, whether directed at or about any participant.
  • Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour during presentations, workshops, panels, Q&A sessions, or any activities, including talking over speakers, using devices in a distracting manner, or ignoring moderator instructions.
  • Non‑consensual photography, recording, or distribution of images, audio, video, or session content without explicit permission from the individuals concerned and/or the Event organisers.
  • Sharing sexual, graphic, or culturally inappropriate images or content in connection with the Events.
  • Promotional or commercial activities conducted outside of a sponsor or exhibitor’s allocated stand or agreed activation area.
  • Misrepresentation of professional qualifications, affiliation, or role (e.g., falsely claiming to be a clinician, researcher, or Event staff member).
  • Any form of verbal or written abuse, threats, or aggressive behaviour, including on social media when referencing the Events or other participants.
  • Advocating for or encouraging unacceptable behaviour, or attempting to dissuade someone from making a report.
  • Retaliation against individuals who report violations or cooperate in an investigation.
  • Any other behaviour that violates the principles of this Code of Conduct or undermines the safety and inclusivity of the Events.

Special considerations for mixed clinician and patient audiences

These Events bring together clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, and people living with lipoedema. All participants are asked to:

  • Recognise that patient stories and lived experiences shared during sessions are personal and may be sensitive. They should not be questioned, challenged, or used in a dismissive or mocking manner.
  • Avoid requesting or offering individual medical advice in public settings (e.g., corridors, social media, Q&A) outside of formal clinical consultations. General information and evidence‑based discussion are encouraged; personal treatment recommendations should be made in appropriate clinical contexts.
  • Respect confidentiality when case details are discussed. Do not share identifiable patient information without explicit consent and in line with applicable privacy laws and professional standards.
  • Be mindful that content may be emotionally challenging for some participants. Use considerate language and allow space for people to step out of sessions if needed.

Reporting Unacceptable Behaviour

If you experience or witness any violation of this Code of Conduct, or you have other concerns about safety or inclusivity, please contact a member of the Event team as soon as possible.

Our team will be available:

  • In or near each session room
  • At the registration desk
  • At the Lipoedema Australia / LWA exhibition stands
  • Via email at info@lwc2027.com
  • By phone at +61 407 536 560 (available during Event hours)

You may bring a person to support you when making a report. We will treat your report as confidential and will not share your personal details without your consent, except where necessary to investigate or address the issue, or where required by law.

When reporting an incident, Event staff will gather information including:

  • Identifying the person(s) alleged to have engaged in the unacceptable behaviour (if known)
  • Details of the behaviour alleged to violate this Code
  • The approximate time(s) and location(s) of the incident(s)
  • The circumstances surrounding the incident(s)
  • Other people involved or who may have witnessed the incident(s)

If required, Event staff will assist by contacting venue security or law enforcement agencies, providing escorts, or otherwise helping you to feel safe for the duration of the Event.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

Participants asked to cease any unacceptable behaviour by the organisers are expected to comply immediately.

Participants who violate this Code of Conduct may face consequences, including but not limited to:

  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Expulsion from specific sessions or from the Event(s) without refund
  • Restriction from attending future Events organised by the same organisers
  • In serious cases, immediate expulsion from the Event(s) and reporting to appropriate authorities for further action

Decisions about consequences will be made by the Event organisers, taking into account the nature and severity of the behaviour, any prior incidents, and the need to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Retaliation against individuals who report violations or cooperate in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a separate violation of this Code of Conduct.

Acknowledgement

By registering for and/or attending the Lipedema World Congress III and/or the Lipoedema Australia Conference VII, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Participant Code of Conduct.

Last Updated: 11 October 2026