Code of Conduct
Index
1.

Introduction
1.1. Who Must Follow Our Code of Conduct?
1.2. Code-Related Questions or Voicing Concerns
1.3. No Retaliation
1.4. Serving Our Partners & Community
2. Workplace and Event Environment
2.1. How We Treat Participants
2.2. How We Treat One Another
2.3. Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying
2.4. Equal Opportunity Employment and Speaker
Recruitment
2.5. Diversity
2.6. Health, Safety, and Security
2.7. Integrity
2.8. Usefulness
2.9. Responsiveness2.10. Privacy, Security, and Freedom of Expression
2.11. Drugs and Alcohol
3. Business Practices
3.1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
3.2. International Business3.3. Interaction with the Government
4. Preserve Confidentiality
4.1. Design Matters4.2. Speakers and Partners
4.3. Participants

5.

6.

7.

8.
9.
10.

4.4. Outside Communications
4.5. Competitors
Protect Design Matters’ Assets
5.1. Intellectual Property
5.2. Company Equipment
5.3. The Network
5.4. Use of Design Matters’ Equipment and Facilities
Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility
6.1. Signing a Contract
6.2. Reporting Financial or Accounting Irregularities
Obey the Law
7.1. Trade Controls
7.2. Anti-bribery Laws
Climate Policy
COVID-19 Policy
Conclusion

Code of Conduct
1. Introduction
Design Matters’ Code of Conduct is how we put Design Matters’ values into
practice. It’s built around the recognition that everything we do in connection
with our work will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible
standards of ethical business conduct. Our commitment helps us hire great
people, build great relationships, services and products, and attract loyal
partners and customers.
From the beginning, we have recognized that we are all caretakers of Design
Matters’ reputation. How we conduct our business and how we treat others our fellow partners, employees, customers, communities, suppliers, andshareholders - will contribute to determine how the world views Design
Matters. Respect for our customers, for our partners, and for each other arefoundational to our success, and is something we need to support every day.
Each of us who work for and with Design Matters has a personal responsibility
to support and incorporate our core values into our work, which requirecompliance with the Danish law as well as ethical conduct. Each of us is also
personally responsible for encouraging other members of the Design Mattersteam & community to incorporate the principles of the Code of Conduct andcore values into our work. If you have a question or ever think that one of yourfellow teammates or the company as a whole may be falling short of ourcommitment, don’t be silent. We want – and need – to hear from you.
As we move forward, the Code of Conduct will help ensure that our value
continues to be reflected in Design Matters’ business activity. A commitment
to integrity, acting honestly and ethically, and complying with the letter andintent of the law are critical to our continued success.

1.1 Who Must Follow Our Code of Conduct?

We expect all of our employees and management members to know andfollow the Code of Conduct. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action,
including termination of employment. Moreover, while the Code of Conduct is
specifically written for Design Matters employees and management, we
expect Design Matters contractors, consultants, and others who may be
temporarily assigned to perform work or services for Design Matters to follow
the Code of Conduct in connection with their work for us. Failure of a Design
Matters contractor, consultant, or other covered service provider to follow theCode of Conduct can result in termination of their relationship with Design
Matters.

1.2 Code-Related Questions or Voicing Concerns
Design Matters’ core values require compliance with the Danish law, as wellas ethical conduct. If you feel these standards have not been met, needaccess to policies, or have any questions, please ask for guidance or voice
your concerns by contacting any of the Design Matters team.

1.3 No Retaliation
Design Matters prohibits retaliation against any worker at Design Matters whoreports or participates in an investigation of a possible violation of our Code of
Conduct, policies, or the law. If you believe you are being retaliated against,
please contact Design Matters.

1.4 Serving Our Partners & Community
Our community values Design Matters not only because we deliver great
experiences, products, and services, but also because we hold ourselves to ahigher standard in how we treat our partners & community, and operate moregenerally. Keeping the following principles in mind will help us to maintain thathigh standard.

2. Event and Workplace Environment
2.1 How We Treat ParticipantsWe are committed to creating and maintaining a supportive environment,
where participants feel comfortable and welcome. We strive to make every
participant’s experience pleasant and fulfilling, and we treat our participants as
we treat one another, with respect and dignity. Design Matters is expected to
do their utmost to create a space that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias,
and unlawful discrimination. This means, for example, that we never harass or
discriminate against our participants. We also expect our participants to treat
each other with respect, without harassment, intimidation, bias, and any formof discrimination.
Harassment, bullying and discrimination take many forms, including:● Unwelcome remarks, gestures or physical contact● The display or circulation of offensive, derogatory or sexually explicit
pictures or other materials, including by email and on the Internet● Offensive or derogatory jokes or comments (explicit or by innuendo)● Verbal or physical abuse or threats

2.2 How We Treat One AnotherAt Design Matters, we are committed to a supportive work environment, whereparticipants and employees have the opportunity to reach their fullest
potential. We do our utmost to create a culture that is free of harassment,
intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination. Design Matters does not use
forced labor and does not employ partners under the age of 18.

2.3 Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying
Design Matters prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying in any form verbal, physical, or visual. If you believe you have been bullied or harassed byanyone at Design Matters, or by a Design Matters partner, we strongly
encourage you to immediately report the incident to Design Matters. Similarly,
supervisors and managers who learn of any such incident should immediately
report it to Design Matters, which will promptly and thoroughly investigate any
complaints and take appropriate action.

2.4 Equal Opportunity Employment and Speaker Recruitment

Employment at Design Matters, Recruiting of speakers for the Design Mattersconferences, is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly
related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discriminationor harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national
origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age,marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual
orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make allreasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting therights of the disabled.

2.5 Diversity
Design Matters actively creates and promotes an environment that is inclusiveof all people and their unique abilities, strengths and differences, andpromotes diversity as a strategic and competitive business advantage for thecompany.
As we continue to grow, embracing diversity in every aspect of our business from the way we work together to the way we procure products and services is vital to our long-term success. We respect diversity in each other, ourcustomers, our partners, our suppliers, and all others with whom we interact.
Our goal is to be one of the most inclusive companies, working towards fullequity, inclusion and accessibility for those whose lives we touch.

2.6 Health, Safety, and Security
Partners, employees, and participants are expected to follow all safety rules
and practices, and cooperate with officials who enforce these rules andpractices. Everyone has to take necessary steps to protect themselves as wellas other people. Employees and management have to attend required safety
training. Everyone has the responsibility to report immediately all accidents,
injuries, and unsafe practices or conditions. We are committed to aviolence-free environment, and therefore, we will not tolerate any level ofviolence or the threat of violence in the area of the events and in theworkplace.

2.7 Integrity

Our reputation as a company that our participants and partners can trust is ourmost valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to make sure that we continuallyearn trust. All of our communications and other interactions with our partners
and partners should increase their trust in us.

2.8 Usefulness
Our services and products should make Design Matters more useful andinspiring for all our partners, our participants, and our community.

2.9 ResponsivenessPart of being useful and honest is being responsive: we recognize relevant
feedback when we see it, and we do something about it. We take pride in
responding to communications from our partners, participants, andcommunity, whether questions, problems, or compliments.
If we see something is broken and we have the ability to fix it, we fix it. If
something is not working efficiently and we have the ability to make a process
faster or more efficient, we act. If quick intervention is required to solve anurgent problem or to meet an urgent and important deadline, we intervene.

Any time any of us feels that our participants aren’t being well-served, letsomeone at Design Matters know about it. Continually improving our products
and services takes all of us.

2.10 Privacy, Security, and Freedom of Expression
We are asking our participants to trust us with their personal information.
Preserving that trust requires that each of us respect and protect the privacy
and security of that information. We limit access to and use of participants'
personal information, and require that each of us take measures to protect
participants’ data from unauthorized access.
Design Matters is committed to respecting privacy and freedom of expressionof our participants, partners, and communities around the world. Where
privacy and freedom of expression face government challenges, we seek toimplement internationally recognized standards that respect those rights, as
we do business in diverse markets.

2.11 Drugs and Alcohol
Substance abuse is incompatible with the health and safety of our participantsand employees, and we don’t permit it. It’s important that we all use good
judgment and never endanger the safety of others or violate the Danish law.
Illegal drugs at events are prohibited.

3. Business Practices
3.1 Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Design Matters is committed to full compliance with the laws, rules andregulations of the countries in which it operates. Design Matters must comply
with all applicable laws, rules and regulations when performing duties.

3.2 International Business
Design Matters is committed to ethical standards in all business transactions.
Partners must follow all applicable laws, rules and regulations when
conducting business with Design Matters. Payments made to any foreign
agent or government official must be lawful under the laws of Denmark andthe foreign country.
Partners must comply with all local and foreign laws regarding customs andtrade. Design Matters will be accurate and truthful in representing business
transactions to government agencies. All information that a partner furnishes
to any customs official or to any agent hired by Design Matters to facilitate
imports and exports must be accurate and truthful. If a third party conducts
business internationally on behalf of Design Matters, it needs to make sure it
has a thorough understanding of these laws and know enough about any third
parties doing business in Design Matters name to ensure they are making
appropriate decisions on Design Matters’ behalf.
Design Matters partners at no time are permitted to influence the outcome ofany business decision by exchanging bribes or kickbacks of any kind.

3.3 Interaction with the Government
Design Matters is committed to complying with local laws, regulations andcodes and to working fairly and honestly with government officials and othersin our communities. In doing so, Design Matters’ actions must meet highethical and legal standards. If a Design Matters’ employee is contacted by agovernment or regulatory representative and asked to provide information or
submit to an inspection, the employee should inform their manager
immediately.
Design Matters policy is to deal honestly and fairly with government authorities
and to comply with valid governmental requests and processes. Partners mustbe truthful and straightforward in their dealings with the government and may
not direct or encourage another partner or anyone else to provide false or
misleading information to any government official or representative. Partners
must not direct or encourage anyone to destroy records relevant to an
investigation. Design Matters commitment to working fairly and honestly withthe government includes all interactions with government officials.

4. Preserve Confidentiality
4.1 Design Matters
Certain kinds of company information, if leaked prematurely into the pressor to competitors, can hurt Design Matters’ launches, eliminate its
competitive advantage and prove costly in other ways.
Every Design Matters employee and manager must make sure to conduct
the appropriate due diligence and have the appropriate agreement in place
before disclosing any information. Design Matters must be careful about
not disclosing any speaker’s and partner’s confidential information.

4.2 Speakers and Partners
Speakers and partners must be careful not to disclose confidential Design
Matters information.

4.3 Participants

Participants should not forget about pictures they and other guests take at
Design Matters – it is up to them to be sure that those pictures don’t
disclose confidential information.

4.4 Outside Communications
Design Matters should also ensure that outside communications (including
online and social media posts) do not disclose confidential proprietary
information. The same applies to communications with the press. Finally, it’s
important that each employee checks with their manager before accepting any
public speaking engagement on behalf of the company.

4.5 Competitors
Design Matters respects its competitors and wants to compete with themfairly. If an opportunity arises to take advantage of a competitor’s confidential
information, we do not do it.

5. Protect Design Matters’ Assets
Design Matters’ values preserving company resources and protecting
company assets and information.

5.1 Intellectual Property
Design Matters’ intellectual property rights (our trademarks, logos, copyrights,
secrets, “know-how”) are valuable assets. Unauthorized use can lead toserious loss of value. Everyone must respect all copyright and otherintellectual property laws, including laws governing the fair use of copyrights,
trademarks, and brands. Nobody can use Design Matters’ logos, marks, orother protected information or property for any business or commercial
venture without pre-clearance from Design Matters. We strongly encourage
everyone to report any suspected misuse of trademarks, logos, or other
Design Matters intellectual property.

Likewise, Design Matters must respect the intellectual property rights ofothers. Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property may expose Design
Matters to criminal and civil fines and penalties.

5.2 Company Equipment
Design Matters provides the tools and equipment employees need to do theirjobs effectively, and counts on them, its partners and participants to be
responsible and not wasteful with the things they are given or allowed to use.
Nobody is going to complain if someone snags a cookie from the kitchen, but
company funds, equipment, and other physical assets are not to berequisitioned for purely personal use.

5.3 The Network
Design Matters​’ communication facilities - including both network andhardware, like computers - are a critical aspect of the company’s property.
If any employee, partner, or participant has any reason to believe that
Design Matters’ network security has been violated – for example, you lose
your laptop or think that your network password may have been
compromised – please promptly report the incident.

5.4 Use of Design Matters’ Equipment and Facilities
Anything you do using Design Matters’s electronic facilities (e.g., ourcomputers, mobile devices, network, etc.) or store on our premises (e.g.,
letters, memos, and other documents) might be disclosed to people inside andoutside the company. For example, Design Matters may be required by law(e.g., in response to a subpoena or warrant) to monitor, access, and disclosethe contents of email, voicemail, computer files, and other materials on ourelectronic facilities or on our premises.

6. Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility
Financial integrity and fiscal responsibility are core aspects of professionalism.
The money spent on behalf of Design Matters is the company’s. Each person
at Design Matters has a role in making sure that money is appropriately spent,that financial records are complete and accurate, and that internal controls arehonored. This matters every time something is expensed to Design Matters, a
new business contract signed, or any deals on Design Matters’ behalf areentered.

6.1 Signing a Contract
Each time someone enters into a business transaction on Design Matters’
behalf, there should be documentation recording that agreement. All contracts
at Design Matters should contain all of the relevant terms to which the parties
are agreeing.

6.2 Reporting Financial or Accounting Irregularities
It goes without saying (but we’re going to say it anyway) that nobody should
ever interfere in any way with the auditing of Design Matters’ financial records.
Similarly, nobody should ever falsify any record or account, including timereports, expense accounts, and any other Design Matters records.

7. Obey the Law
Design Matters takes its responsibilities to comply with laws and regulations
very seriously and each of us is expected to comply with applicable legal
requirements and prohibitions.

7.1 Trade Controls
Denmark and international trade laws control where Design Matters can sendor receive its products and/or services. These laws are complex, and apply to:● imports and exports from or into Denmark● imports and exports of products from or into other countries

If an employee is in any way involved in sending or making available
Design Matters​ products or services from one country to another, they must
be absolutely sure that the transaction stays well within the bounds ofapplicable laws.

7.3 Anti-bribery Laws
Like all businesses, Design Matters is subject to laws that prohibit bribery invirtually every kind of commercial setting. We do not bribe anybody, anytime,
for any reason.

8. Climate Policy
Design Matters aspires to be an ethical company. Design Matters’ goal is topromote sustainability and environmental awareness by complying with allapplicable environmental and sustainability legislation. Design Matters iscommitted to prevent pollution through waste management strategies that
promote waste minimization, re-use, and recycling.
Design Matters is also committed to reduce the impact participants have on
the environment, by compensating for the CO2 produced by each participant
flying to and from Copenhagen. Design Matters is going carbon neutral thanks
to the partnership with CHOOOSE, a climate action streaming service thatworks by investing the money spent in CO2-reducing projects that produce
clean energy in developing countries. Design Matters has also partnered with
Human Hotel, a platform of home-sharing community where users match withlocal creatives and stay with them. Staying with a local reduces CO2
emissions up to 88%, compared to staying in a hotel.

9. COVID-19 Policy
These are challenging times, since COVID-19 impacts every country andperson around the world. At Design Matters, the well-being and safety of ouremployees, collaborators, and participants are a priority. We are working in a
way that ensures each one of our employees, collaborators, and participants
gets the support they need to do their job and to take part in the conference
safely.
Hand sanitizer will be placed around the venue during the conference and will
be at everyone’s disposal. The venue will be large enough to accommodate allparticipants and staff while allowing everyone to maintain a safe distance.

Design Matters follows the rules imposed by the Danish government toprevent the spread of the virus. Design Matters also reinforces a behavior thatis respectful and considerate of others. Everyone is encouraged to:- wash their own hands frequently or to sanitize their own hands withalcohol-based hand rub- cough or sneeze into their sleeve, and not in their hands- limit physical contact - avoiding handshakes and hugging, refusing kisses on
the cheek- avoid crowds in case someone is older or has a chronic illness that might put
them in danger

10. Conclusion
Design Matters aspires to be an ethical company. It’s impossible to spell out
every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on one
another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves
and our company. We expect all employees, partners, and participants of
Design Matters to be guided by both the letter and the spirit of this Code of
Conduct. Sometimes, identifying the right thing to do isn’t an easy call. If you
aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask. And if you see something that you think isn’tright, speak up and let someone at Design Matters know.