Hollers & Horizons

Code of Conduct

Co-convened by the Appalachian Convergence Lab and the University of Pikeville School of Social Work

Purpose and Scope

Hollers & Horizons: Appalachia’s Symposium on Psychedelic Science, Readiness & Response (the “Symposium”) is co-convened by the Appalachian Convergence Lab (“AppCoLab”) and the University of Pikeville School of Social Work, and takes place July 16-17, 2027, in Pikeville, Kentucky. This Code of Conduct applies to all attendees, speakers, moderators, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff at every Symposium session, meal, reception, and related activity, and to Symposium communications on social media and other online channels. By registering for, attending, or participating in the Symposium, each person agrees to abide by this Code.

Standards of Conduct

All participants shall treat one another with courtesy, dignity, and good faith, regardless of role, background, identity, belief, or personal history with the subject matter. Disagreement with ideas is welcome and shall be expressed respectfully. Participants shall honor the confidentiality of personal experiences shared in sessions and conversations, and shall obtain consent before photographing or recording any individual. Participants shall engage with Appalachian communities and knowledge respectfully and shall not portray the region or its residents in a demeaning or exploitative manner.

Substances and Safety

The use, possession, sale, distribution, or sharing of psychedelics or any other illegal substance is strictly prohibited at all Symposium events, venues, and University of Pikeville campus spaces. No demonstration, administration, or sampling of any controlled substance will occur at the Symposium. Alcohol and other regulated substances remain subject to University of Pikeville policy. Symposium content is educational and does not constitute medical, clinical, or legal advice, and no participant shall offer individualized treatment or legal advice in the course of a session. Any participant who observes a person in distress shall notify event staff immediately.

Speaker and Presenter Obligations

Speakers and presenters are asked to disclose financial relationships, funding sources, and organizational affiliations relevant to their remarks, either orally or on a slide. Sessions are educational, and promotional content is reserved for exhibit and networking spaces. Recording, livestreaming, and distribution of any session require the prior written approval of the co-conveners.

Prohibited Conduct and Enforcement

Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, stalking, unwelcome physical or sexual attention, retaliation against any person who makes a report in good faith, and disruption of Symposium sessions are prohibited. The co-conveners may, in their discretion, issue a warning, require a participant to leave an event area, revoke registration without refund, remove a speaker from the program, and notify employers, licensing bodies, campus security, or law enforcement. A violation of this Code by a speaker may constitute a breach of the applicable speaker agreement.

Reporting

Concerns may be reported to any event staff member during the Symposium or by email to team@appcolab.org. Reports will be reviewed by designated representatives of the co-conveners, handled with the discretion that the matter allows, and addressed promptly. In an emergency, call 911.