Purpose

At iON, we are committed to fostering inclusive, respectful, and safe environments where meaningful connections can thrive. This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviors of all vendors participating in iON-hosted or sponsored activities, whether in-person or virtual.

Scope

This Code applies to all Vendor organizations and individuals acting in partnership with iON, across all forms of collaboration including joint initiatives, events, co-branded activities, and strategic engagements.

Core Expectations of Conduct

Respect & Inclusion: Treat all individuals with courtesy and dignity, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexual orientation, religion, or background. Discrimination, harassment, or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.

Integrity & Accountability: Act with honesty, represent your capabilities accurately, deliver on commitments, and disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest.

Confidentiality: Safeguard confidential or sensitive information acquired through your partnership with iON, unless given explicit permission to share it.

Legal & Ethical Compliance: Adhere to all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations, including those related to labor, human rights, data privacy, anti-bribery, and fair competition laws.

Social & Environmental Responsibility: Operate ethically and sustainably. Treat workers fairly, promote inclusive practices, and minimize environmental impact wherever possible.

Professionalism & Brand Representation

When working with or representing iON, vendors are expected to:

Communicate professionally and respectfully with iON employees, clients, and partners.
Use the iON name, logo, or marketing materials only with written approval and in accordance with brand guidelines.
Refrain from misusing intellectual property or presenting yourself as an iON employee or official representative.
Fulfill all commitment, timelines, and delivery expectations.

Event Participation

When attending or representing iON at an event (I.e., as a speaker, exhibitor, or sponsor) vendors must:

Engage with others professionally, avoiding any offensive or disruptive behavior—whether in person, online, or on social media.
Follow event rules, safety protocols, and setup/teardown instructions.
Ensure displays, promotions, and activations are inclusive and appropriate.
Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming booth or space.
Avoid unauthorized sales, giveaways, or the misuse of others’ intellectual property.
Only serve alcohol or restricted items with proper licensing and pre-approval.

Personal Conduct

All vendor representatives are expected to:

Maintain a respectful, professional demeaner in all interactions.
Refrain from using illegal substances and limit alcohol use to maintain professionalism and safety.
Dress and behave in a manner aligned with business and event standards.
Resolve any disagreements calmly and through appropriate channels, engaging iON personnel when necessary.

Compliance & Reporting

Legal Compliance: Vendors are responsible for understanding and complying with the laws and regulations relevant to their work with iON and its clients.

Reporting Misconduct: Vendors must report any suspected or actual violations of this Code to a member of the iON Leadership Team or via compliance@ionunited.com

Cooperation: Vendors are expected to cooperate fully with any investigation into reported misconduct.

Accountability

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in:

Removal from iON-sponsored events or programs
Suspension or loss of partnership privileges
Termination of agreements or contracts
Legal or reputational consequences for both parties

Acknowledgment  

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agreed to comply with the iON Vendor Code of Conduct. I understand that updates may occur, and iON will communicate any changes.

Vendor Code of Conduct

Policy Owner: Chief Operating Officer

Implemented: August 2025