CHICAGO — Trade show organizations are using this day, known as Giving Tuesday, and this time of year to raise awareness and funds for nonprofits of all sizes and missions.
One of the causes that has been at the forefront of many people’s minds is human trafficking, which is happening not only in motels, but also in the same four- and five-star hotels where meetings and conventions are held. Hundreds of companies, including major hotel brands such as Marriott International and hotel sales organizations such as Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), trade associations such as the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), professional events organizations such as the IMEX Group and many others have signed “The Code,” as it is called. Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children in Tourism created by ECPAT-USA This is a voluntary effort by the signatories to train and educate staff, clients and the industry at large to help prevent sex trafficking.
Those who choose to give to ECPAT-USA can do so not only in the form of cash donations, but also in the form of travel points and miles to help staff reach more communities across the country and travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers and continue to raise awareness.
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Another industry effort that ranks high on people’s list is the Meetings Industry Fundwhich provides financial assistance to industry members facing a crisis. Grants are available to those who have exhausted all their resources and are reviewed by the Board of Directors. Supporters of the Fund include Tarsus, PCMA, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and many other organizations and individuals involved in all aspects of this industry. The Meetings Industry Fund is hosting a Facebook fundraiser to raise $5,000 in honor of Giving Tuesday.
The Above and Beyond Foundation, created to reward hospitality and restaurant workers with scholarships, has been a lifeline during the pandemic. It hosts an annual travel auction where people can place and track bids through the auction website Auction Tag. There are 35 trips to hotels and resorts ranging from ARIA in Las Vegas to Grand Wailea Resort in Maui to Whistler, British Columbia. Bidding ends December 14.
One strategy for deciding how to participate in Giving Tuesday is to search your LinkedIn feed using the hashtag #givingtuesday to see who your favorite industry peers have chosen as their charity. The opportunities to give are endless, and now is the time.