INCLUSION
Afrotech Fest asks all attendees to commit to creating safer spaces. Spaces that make the festival as accessible and comfortable as possible, and that foster compassionate innovation. Spaces where people different of experiences, backgrounds and bodies feel not only included but centred.
Our Code of Conduct covers a list of unacceptable behaviours that are not welcome at the festival. In addition to that, we’ve detailed our inclusive space policies below.
We encourage attendees to actively work together to create spaces of compassion, empathy, sharing and learning. It is important not to ridicule others’ technical choices, knowledge and technical ability, technical and non-technical background, education attainment level, employment status and economic background.
Accessibility
We will provide live captioning throughout the festival. Seating will be reserved for people with disabilities (with and without mobility devices). These seats will be alongside non-reserved seating. Service animals are welcome.
Accessible and gender-neutral toilets (with the available facilities labelled) will be available at the festival.
The festival venue is close to bus stops and the nearest London Overground station is wheelchair accessible, with lifts. Visit Rich Mix’s access page for more information about the venue.
Designated accessibility volunteers will be available during the festival. Should you need pre-planned support please contact info@afrotechfest.co.uk
Affordability
Afrotech Fest strives to be an affordable festival but we know that affordability is relative. We offer subsidised tickets and a limited number of free tickets through our community partners. We also offer a limited number of travel scholarships to attendees from across the UK and Europe. For information on how to get support travelling to the venue contact us at info@afrotechfest.co.uk.
Child-friendly
We aim to create a family-inclusive environment and all our venues are all-ages. Babies and young people are free to express themselves. Parents or guardians are not judged for their approaches to caring for their children or charges.
Buggies and carriers are provided space and access. Breastfeeding/nursing and pumping is welcome and encouraged. There are also private spaces available for this, should they be required and will be signposted.
Hospitality
Afrotech Fest will offer free meals to attendees during the festival, with vegan and wheat-free options. There will also be tea, coffee and drinks provided throughout.
Alcohol will be available at different points during the festival. We ask our attendees to drink responsibly. Alcohol consumption is not an excuse for violating our Code of Conduct.
Vendors and stalls
Afrotech Fest prioritises working with Black-owned businesses (tech and non-tech), and vendors who prioritise diversity and representation in their teams.
Pictures and visual and audio recordings of attendees will only be taken with their explicit permission. We will respect individual speakers’ media consent.
If you have any questions, need further accommodations or help, please contact us at info@afrotechfest.co.uk
Credit
We encourage the use of this Inclusion policy by other events, especially those that aim to centre Black people and their work. Please credit Afrotech Fest if you do use it.
Thank you
Our inclusion policy is influenced by, and uses some content from, the XOXO inclusion policy.