Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are central to ACM’s mission and to the goals of ASE 2026. Diversity is achieved when the people involved come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, bringing a range of viewpoints and approaches. Equity means supporting the participation of marginalised communities in computing and promoting fairness in how resources, processes, and opportunities are distributed. Inclusion is achieved when the environment actively welcomes and embraces that diversity.
ASE 2026 is committed to providing a welcoming, open, and safe environment for everyone, regardless of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, or disability. All participants are entitled to attend and take part free from discrimination or harassment based on any of these factors.
All ACM SIG events, including ASE 2026, follow ACM’s Policy Against Harassment, which sets out expected behaviour and how to report any concerns.
- Accessibility: Our full conference area is on the ground floor and step-free throughout. All routes through the hotel are wheelchair-accessible.
- Quiet room: A quiet room will be available during the conference and social events for anyone who needs a break from noise and crowds, on pre-ASE and ASE conference days. Location: The Boardroom (the room on the upper left side) will be the quiet room/prayer room.
- Restrooms: Alongside the standard toilets, there is one wheelchair-accessible toilet in the event area. There are no separate unisex toilets elsewhere in the venue.
- Pronouns on badge: Everybody will be able to provide their pronouns through the registration system, so that badges can be printed with the correct pronouns and everyone can be addressed correctly.
- Meals: clearly labelled for common dietary restrictions (meat, lactose, gluten, nuts), with inclusive options for health-related needs and cultural considerations at every meal.
- List of countries eligible for APC waivers: https://www.acm.org/publications/policies/waiver-countries
- Travel Support: TBA
SIGSOFT CARES
CARES is a subcommittee of ACM SIGSOFT. All ACM SIG events and communications follow ACM’s policy against discrimination and harassment. The role of CARES is to serve as a resource of well-known, respected members of the software engineering community who are approachable and willing to listen to and support anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, harassment, or another ethical policy violation — at our events or related to ACM publications. Committee members act as a sounding board and can advise on the steps needed to take a matter further with ACM.
We maintain a standing CARES committee because: (1) people are more likely to report harassment, discrimination, or other ethical violations if familiar, respected community members are available to support them; (2) unlike conference chairs, CARES members are chosen mainly for their commitment and track record on these issues; (3) longer membership terms and an established committee build experience and trust over time; (4) committee members are expected to be present at our main events and work with organisers to publicise their role; and (5) a visible, trusted committee acts as a deterrent and encourages everyone to speak up if they observe such behaviour.
What CARES does: CARES provides completely confidential support to members of the software engineering community. We listen to anyone who comes to us for advice or who just wants to talk, and do our best to advise on possible next steps.
Contact: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Chairs: Isabella Graßl.