NATC Code of Conduct
Updated 7/14/25
The Taiko Community Alliance (TCA) is built on the core values of respect, heritage & evolution, empowerment, inclusivity, and transparency. At all TCA events we are committed to facilitating a welcoming and respectful event for all, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (including religious dress and grooming), or nationality. We do not tolerate harassment of attendees in any form and we empower all participants in our community to actively engage in creating a friendly and safe environment at all TCA events.
This Code of Conduct shares our community expectations and applies to all attendees, participants, observers, chaperones, staff, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, instructors, and performers at TCA events. People attend TCA events to learn, network and have fun. Please do so responsibly and with respect for the right of others to do likewise.
The Code
Be kind and considerate: Respect personal space and common courtesy rules for personal interaction.
Be aware of your surroundings: Be mindful of others around you to ensure a great experience for your fellow participants.
Behave appropriately: Refrain from using, engaging in, and or displaying demeaning, harassing, aggressive, or intimidating language, materials, clothing, or behavior.
Frame conversations openly: Avoid language and expressions that ignore or invalidate the perspectives of other members of the taiko community who are different from you.
Respect property: Do not damage private, communal, and host/venue property, including instruments and equipment that may be on loan from partner organizations.
Report inappropriate behavior: Promptly report any behavior that violates these expectations to the TCA Code of Conduct Response Team at 818-280-9071.
We expect participants to follow this Code at all TCA events; including conferences, concerts, workshops, discussions, and online events.
Inappropriate Behavior and Harassment
Inappropriate behavior and/or harassment will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behavior and/or harassment can take many forms such as slurs; jokes; derogatory statements; foul or obscene language; offensive clothing; leering; stalking; following; deliberate intimidation; staring; gestures; pictures, drawings or cartoons; violating personal space by impeding or blocking another person's movement or otherwise physically interfering with them; harassing photography or recordings; unwelcome sexual attention; sexual images or language in public spaces; inappropriate physical contact; unwanted or offensive letters, email, or voicemail messages; or social media postings.
If you witness or experience inappropriate behavior and/or harassment
If a participant engages in behavior that violates this Code, TCA may take action to keep NATC a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. TCA reserves the right to investigate violations of this Code by any attendee. Responses to confirmed violations may range from warning those responsible to expelling them with no refund.
If you experience or observe behavior that violates this Code, or have any other concerns, please contact the TCA Code of Conduct Response Team at 818-280-9071.
A Response Team member will take a full report of the incident, including:
Identifying information and contact info of the participant(s), including witnesses
Time of the incident
Behavior that was in violation
Action already taken
Other relevant details
Violations of the Code of Conduct are treated seriously. If asked to cease inappropriate behavior, persons are expected to comply immediately.
After an investigation, action taken may range from counseling and/or warnings to removal from the event without a refund. Furthermore, violators may be refused participation at future TCA events. All determinations are at the sole discretion of TCA, and TCA’s decision will be final.
Aside from investigating the incident, Code of Conduct Response Team members will assist those experiencing violations of this Code to feel safe for the duration of the conference. Potential safeguards include contacting hotel/venue security and/or local law enforcement, providing escorts, or other safety measures as deemed necessary on a per-case basis.
Code violations reduce the value of NATC for everyone. We do not tolerate harassment of attendees in any form and we empower all participants in our community to actively engage in creating a friendly and safe environment at NATC. People like you make NATC and our taiko community a better place, and we value your experience.
NATC Non Solicitation Policy
NATC has a no-solicitation policy covering all of our conferences and expositions to provide a distraction-free environment for our attendees. We do not allow solicitation at our events by anyone without the express written permission of NATC and TCA. This policy includes such activities as:
Prohibited Activities
● Unauthorized exhibits, mobile exhibits & hospitality suites
● Unauthorized membership recruitment activities
● Unauthorized promotion of non-TCA events
● Unauthorized employment recruiting
● Unwelcome advances toward event participants or the NATC staff
● Unauthorized on-site distribution of printed or electronic materials including literature, signs, flyers, invitations, tickets, forms, etc. (except business cards)
Unauthorized exhibitors or sponsors found to be violating this policy agree to pay NATC the equivalent fee stated in the event’s published rate schedule for marketplace space and/or sponsorships and may be expelled from the event without refund. Any person and/or organization found to be violating this policy may be expelled from the event without a refund.
Egregious and/or multiple violations of this policy may result in disqualification from future events at the discretion of NATC organizers and the Taiko Community Alliance.