Awareness is an approach to counter sexualized violence, discrimination, and other forms of boundary violations – both preventively and through direct action. These societal issues are also reflected in event spaces. Our goal is to raise awareness among as many people as possible through our events, promote respectful coexistence, and ultimately contribute to societal change.

“Awareness must be understood as an ongoing process that is anchored in all areas of event organization.” (Act Aware, 2024)

At the heart of awareness work is a clear attitude: Boundary violations are defined by those affected. What may seem harmless to one person can be hurtful, intrusive, or exclusionary to another. These perceptions are not to be questioned. When in doubt about your behaviour: ask—better once too often than not at all.

We act according to the principles of collective responsibility:

1. Shared responsibility: Everyone – visitors, professionals, and crew – is invited to actively share responsibility. If you witness a problematic situation, don’t look away – intervene or seek help. We create spaces where solidarity is both possible and desired.
2. Centring those affected: The perception of the person affected is never questioned. Solidarity comes first.
3. Consent is key: Respect individual boundaries. No always means no – and more importantly, only yes means yes.
4. Taking sides: We stand with those affected. Always.

Discrimination and boundary violations don’t just happen at events – they can as well, begin online. We recognize that even our events are not free from the possibility of discrimination. That’s why we implement concrete awareness measures for all participants: visitors, professionals, and crew.

Our work is also guided by the German games industry’s diversity declaration.

Examples of inappropriate behavior include:

• Discriminatory remarks related to gender, identity, sexual orientation, appearance, disability, age, religion, or ethnicity
• Intimidation, stalking, or following someone
• Unconsented photographing or filming
• Disrupting program sessions
• Unwanted physical contact
• Unwelcome sexual advances

We reserve the right to take appropriate action – ranging from a warning to exclusion from current and future events.

More info:

• devcom Anti-Harassment Policy
• Diversity in Games

People with disabilities often face unintentional barriers, structural, organizational, or communicative.

We want everyone to feel welcome from the start.

Under the motto “Arrive, enter, feel safe”, we aim to ensure that disabled participants can plan and enjoy their attendance comfortably. Questions or needs can be submitted in advance via our contact form.

Our Awareness Team is available on-site during the event: +49 178 512 90 79

You can also use our anonymous contact form.

For visitors with limited mobility, Koelnmesse offers various accessible entrances, restrooms, and a free wheelchair rental: Accessibility Guide

1. No tolerance for discrimination. Disrespectful or violent behaviour based on gender, appearance, background, religion, age, or orientation will result in removal.
2. Say no to sexism and sexualized violence. No staring, inappropriate comments, or unwanted touching.
3. No ableism. Treat all people with dignity and only offer help when wanted. Leave accessible areas free for those who need them.
4. Respect boundaries. No means no. Yes must be explicit. Don’t take photos without consent.
5. Gender identity is not visible. Don’t assume pronouns. Ask how someone wants to be addressed.
6. Affected persons decide. Their experience is valid and not up for debate. We stand with them.
7. No cultural appropriation. Respect cultural and religious symbols. Avoid using them for aesthetic or commercial reasons if they’re not part of your own background.

The Awareness Team is on-site throughout devcom developer conference.

Our team has diverse professional backgrounds (pedagogy, psychosocial, cultural) and is experienced in applying awareness principles at parties, festivals, demos, trade shows, and more.

Look for the persons with shirts labeled “Awareness Team”.

We’ll also be at the Silence Room on Level 1 of the Confex. You can retreat to this place when everything gets too much for you, and we can help you find peace. Note: no Silent Room is available at Wolkenburg (Aug 17) or Herbrand’s (Aug 19).

Reach us at: +49 178 512 90 79

Availability:

• Sun, Aug 17 | 12 pm – 11:30 pm | Wolkenburg, during devcom speaker & VIP sunday
• Mon, Aug 18 | 9 am – 12 am | Confex, during devcom developer conference
• Tue, Aug 19 | 9 am – 7 pm | Confex, during devcom developer conference
• Tue, Aug 19 | 7pm – 2 am | Herbrand’s, during devcom developer night

We do not tolerate antisemitism, racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, classism, transphobia, homophobia, FLINTA+ hostility, or any other form of discrimination.

To support someone affected:

• Make an offer: let them know you’re available to help.
  Ask what they need. e.g. “Would you like to sit down?” / “Should I call the Awareness Team for you?”
• Contact the Awareness Team: call us and we’ll come to you.
• Escort to the Silent Room: If you have capacity, accompany them. If not, inform someone else.
• Don’t ask questions about what happened. Don’t leave them alone unless they ask. Maintain confidentiality.

7 Ds of Bystander Intervention:

• Diagnose – Be aware and recognize problematic behaviour.
• Direct – Address the person or support the affected individual.
• Distract – Create a diversion to de-escalate.
• Delegate – Get others involved to help.
• Delay – Support the person afterward.
• Document – If safe, record or take notes (with consent).
• Discuss – Talk openly about discrimination and encourage accountability.

Source: Safe the Dance

BIPoC / BI_PoC
Stands for “Black Indigenous_People of Colour.” The underscore indicates the inclusion of individuals who identify outside the typical racial categories. It is a collective term for non-white people. All terms are political self-identifications.

GENDER-INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE
“Gender” refers to socially constructed roles and behaviors typically associated with masculinity and femininity, differing from biological sex. Some people identify as non-binary and do not see themselves as either female or male. We invite everyone to use gender-neutral language (e.g., “technician” instead of “repairman”).

POWER OF DEFINITION
Only the affected person defines when a boundary has been crossed or what counts as violence. This definition must never be challenged by others.

FINTA*
An acronym for women, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender people—those discriminated against within patriarchy. The term FLINTA* also exists, but we deliberately exclude sexual orientation here to focus on gender identity.

INTERSEX
People born with biological characteristics of both sexes. Intersexuality is identifiable through chromosome analysis.

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION
The use or exploitation of cultural elements—symbols, art, customs—for personal or commercial gain, often without awareness or respect for their cultural significance.

LGBTQIA*
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual. The asterisk stands for all identities beyond the binary.

MICROAGGRESSIONS
Everyday comments or actions that negatively affect marginalized groups and reinforce stereotypes. They may be unintentional but still harmful.

NEURODIVERSITY
Describes differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals in perception, emotional response, and cognitive processing. Society often creates barriers for neurodivergent people.

NON-BINARY
A gender identity that doesn’t fit the man/woman binary. This can mean a neutral gender, multiple genders, or none. Some non-binary people also identify as trans.

PARTIALITY
deliberate political stance in support of marginalized groups. The awareness team explicitly sides with affected persons to counter power imbalances.

PRONOUNS
Always ask people what pronouns (she, he, they, none, etc.) they prefer. Using the wrong ones can be harmful and should be avoided. Some people choose not to use pronouns at all.

SEXISM
The discrimination (positive or negative) based on a person’s assigned gender. While men are often privileged, women, trans, non-binary, and inter individuals face systematic devaluation.

SEXUALIZED VIOLENCE
Any non-consensual sexual behavior used to assert power and control. This includes harassment, assault, and coercion. “Sexualized” highlights that such acts are about violence, not desire.

TRANS / TRANS PERSON*
People whose gender identity differs from the one assigned at birth.

TRIGGERS
Events, objects, or cues that can remind someone of past trauma. Because personal histories are unknown, it’s important to handle emotional topics with care and respect diverse boundaries.