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Code of Conduct & Safety Guidelines

Effective Date: April 10th, 2025

These Guidelines outline the standards of behavior and basic safety practices for everyone who attends a dinnerHQ‑hosted networking meal. They supplement, and form part of, dinnerHQ’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

1. Why we have Guidelines

Our mission is to create productive, professional connections in a relaxed dining setting. Clear expectations protect the experience for all participants and help us act quickly if issues arise.

2. Who these Guidelines apply to

  • All ticket‑holding attendees (including substitutes agreed by dinnerHQ).
  • dinnerHQ staff, contractors and restaurant partners while involved in an Event.

By purchasing a ticket you agree to follow these rules and to cooperate with dinnerHQ staff if a concern is raised.

3. Professional Conduct

Respect & courtesy.

Treat every participant, server, and venue employee with politeness and professionalism, regardless of job title, seniority, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other personal characteristic.

Inclusive conversation.

Diverse perspectives are welcome; personal attacks, slurs, or demeaning remarks are not.

No solicitation of illicit goods or services.

Do not promote or facilitate the sale of illegal/regulated items, controlled substances, weapons, or fraudulent schemes.

No harassment or bullying.

Unwanted sexual remarks, persistent pitching, intimidation, threats, stalking or doxxing will result in immediate removal and possible ban.

No hate speech.

Disparaging or dehumanising language targeting race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or similar characteristics is prohibited.

Privacy & information sharing.

dinnerHQ will circulate only the following attendee details to fellow diners for follow‑up purposes: name, company, job title, business‑email and LinkedIn profile. Phone numbers and personal addresses are never shared by dinnerHQ.

Authenticity.

Attend under your real name and company; impersonation or creating multiple identities is forbidden.

Attendance commitment.

Honor your reservation or cancel ≥ 72 hours in advance. Two no‑shows within six months may lead to suspension.

4. Safety Tips — Before, During & After the Dinner

StageRecommended actions
Before
  • Tell a trusted colleague or friend where you’re going and when you expect to finish.
  • Review the venue menu online to check for allergens or dietary needs.
  • Bring a credit card and a small amount of cash in case the restaurant cannot split bills evenly.
  • Plan transport home; if you intend to drink, pre‑book a rideshare or taxi.
During
  • Arrive on time and introduce yourself to the host and table.
  • Keep beverages and belongings in sight; drink responsibly.
  • Engage, listen and exchange business cards or LinkedIn scans only with consent.
  • Respect differing opinions; steer clear of aggressive sales tactics or explicit topics.
  • Inform restaurant staff discreetly about any allergy concerns.
After
  • Settle your portion of the bill promptly; standard U.S. gratuity is 18 – 22 %.
  • Use the contact list circulated by dinnerHQ for follow‑ups—avoid mass‑marketing emails.
  • Report any behavior that made you feel unsafe to safety@dinnerhq.com within 24 hours.
  • If you feel in immediate danger, call 911 (U.S.) or local emergency services.

5. Prohibited Content & Behaviour (Non‑Exhaustive)

CategoryExamples (illustrative)
Sexual content or servicesExplicit propositions, distribution of adult material, soliciting sexual acts.
Violence & threatsPhysical intimidation, threats of harm, encouragement of fighting.
Illegal or regulated commerceOffers of unlicensed securities, counterfeit goods, firearms, illicit drugs.
Controlled substances misuseDistribution of prescription drugs without license, advocacy of illegal drug use.
Extremism & hatePromotion of extremist ideology, Nazi symbols, racial epithets.
Fraud & scamsPonzi/pyramid pitches, fake investment opportunities, phishing links.
Graphic contentGory images, videos depicting injury or cruelty.
Misinformation with real‑world harmFalse bomb threats, medical disinformation likely to endanger others.

Violation may lead to a verbal warning, ejection from the Event without refund, suspension of future ticket purchases, or referral to law‑enforcement where warranted.

6. Bill‑Splitting Etiquette

  • Unless otherwise stated, each attendee covers their own food and beverages.
  • Bring enough cash to cover your meal plus a 20 % tip in case the venue cannot split the check.
  • Decide as a table—before the bill arrives—whether to split evenly, pay what you ordered, or have one person pay and reimburse via Venmo®, Zelle®, Cash App, or similar.
  • Exchange payment handles or QR codes only with those who agree to settle up digitally.
  • Confirm that the restaurant accepts your preferred card; cash is a reliable fallback if systems fail.

7. Photography & Content Rights

We may take group photos or short video clips for marketing purposes. You will always be asked before a close‑up shot is taken. If you wish to opt out of identifiable imagery, tell the photographer or email media@dinnerhq.com. We will honour takedown requests within a reasonable timeframe.

8. Reporting & Enforcement

  • Non‑emergency: email safety@dinnerhq.com with the Event date, location and details.
  • Immediate danger: dial 911 (U.S.) or local emergency services first, then inform dinnerHQ.

dinnerHQ reviews reports within two business days and will inform you of the outcome where legally permissible.

9. Updates to these Guidelines

We may update these Guidelines periodically. When we do, the “Effective Date” above will change, and a notice will be posted on the Site. Continued attendance after an update constitutes acceptance.