Vendor Code of Conduct

At Twin Cities Pride, we are committed to empowering every LGBTQ+ person to live as their true self. Our vision is a future where all LGBTQ+ people are valued and celebrated for who they are. To uphold our mission, vision, and values, we have developed this Vendor Code of Conduct, which outlines the commitment to our staff, volunteers, attendees, and venue partners, as well as the expectations for all vendors, affiliates, consultants, contractors, and agents (collectively, “Vendors”) participating in our festival or programs. This includes all people who staff a booth or represent your organization at the festival. 

Twin Cities Pride has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to disrespecting our venue staff, contractors, sponsors, volunteers, attendees, or other vendors. (Most of what you consider “staff” are Volunteers for Twin Cities Pride). Vendors must prohibit abuse of any kind, including physical, verbal, sexual or emotional abuse, inhumane or degrading treatment, threats, intimidation, defamation or any other form of harassment or offensive behavior.  

If an incident occurs prior to an event, Twin Cities Pride reserves the right to remove offending Vendors from the event schedule without a refund provided. 

This code is grounded in transparency, inclusion, education, and respect and it is important that all Vendors adhere to the minimum standards contained in this Code. Therefore, by entering a business relationship with us, all Vendors are deemed to have accepted the obligations set out in this Code and agree to comply with it in addition to any of their contractual and other obligations.  

Respect for Human Rights, Diversity, and Inclusion: 

• Embrace and celebrate the diversity of our community, including individuals of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds. 
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment within your vendor space, where everyone feels valued, respected, and affirmed. 
• Avoid promoting messages, products, or practices that perpetuate hate, stereotypes, discrimination, or inequality. 

Acting with Integrity and Transparency: 

• Conduct business with professionalism, courtesy, honesty, integrity, and transparency, ensuring clear communication with and respect for festival organizers, attendees, and fellow vendors. 
• Adhere to all festival policies, guidelines, and requirements set forth by Twin Cities Pride, including those related to placement, space usage, safety, sales, promotion, and conduct. 
• Vendors must respect and comply with all applicable local and national laws and regulations when working with us, including taxation and food safety laws. 

Health, Safety, and Inclusive Environment: 

• Create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment, free from discrimination, harassment, or intimidation of any kind. 
• Proactively address any concerns or issues that may arise, prioritizing the health, safety and well-being of their employees, workers, other event vendors, event staff, volunteers, and festival attendees. 
• Vendors must comply with all relevant local health and safety laws and regulations, including but not limited to local health department food safety regulations, state and local liquor and cannabis laws. 

Commitment to Education, Awareness and Continuous Improvement: 

• Foster continuous learning and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, ensuring that your interactions with festival attendees are respectful and inclusive. 
• Strive for continuous improvement in your business practices, customer service, and commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 

• Share knowledge and resources that promote understanding and support for the LGBTQ+ community. 
• Welcome feedback from festival organizers, attendees, and fellow vendors, using it as an opportunity for growth, improvement, and reflection. 

Collaboration and Community Engagement: 

• Foster collaboration and community engagement by actively participating in festival activities, supporting fellow vendors, and contributing to the event’s overall success. 
• Explore opportunities for partnership with local LGBTQ+ organizations and community groups to further support our shared goals and values. 

Environmental Responsibility: 

• Minimize your environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices, reducing waste, and prioritizing eco-friendly materials and products whenever possible. 
• Dispose of waste responsibly and avoid any actions that may harm the environment or the surrounding community. 
• Grease, biohazardous material or otherwise dangerous materials must be disposed of properly. 
• Improper disposal of materials by Vendors at our events that result in fees assessed by the venue, city, or state may be passed on to the Vendor. 

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior: 

Failure to comply with the Vendor Code of Conduct may result in consequences, including but not limited to: 

• Verbal Warnings 
• Removal from the festival premises without refund. 
• Ineligibility to participate in future Twin Cities Pride events. 
• Legal action in cases of severe misconduct or violation of laws. 

By adhering to this Vendor Code of Conduct, you contribute to creating a positive and inclusive experience for all attendees of Twin Cities Pride.  

If vendors have any concerns or suspicions of wrongdoing related to their relationship with us, our staff or contractors, venue staff, other vendors at our events, or our attendees, please contact Pride Dispatch at (612) 255-3265 or [email protected]. 

 Thank you for being an integral part of our vibrant community.