These days, with mainstream media overflowing with negative news, it’s refreshing to focus on the positive—in this case, how the corporate events industry is giving back and lending a helping hand to the vulnerable and less fortunate. Read on to learn how the meetings industry’s biggest association and a leading venue management company are making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.

MPI 

Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world’s largest meeting and event industry association, was recently recognized by The Code (aka, The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism) for its commitment to end the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism.

MPI was the only U.S.-based member among the three Top Members in 2022 recognized by The Code, a multi-stakeholder initiative supported by ECPAT, a worldwide network of organizations working to end global child exploitation and abuse.

Top Members were selected based on their demonstration of implementation of The Code’s six criteria, which include a clause in contracts throughout the value chain that states a common repudiation and zero tolerance policy of sexual exploitation of children, training employees in children’s rights, how to report suspected cases and more. 

According to MPI officials, over the past few years, MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, chapter leaders and MPI staff have played a role in ensuring MPI was meeting its commitment to The Code.

“MPI is dedicated to ending human trafficking and as the world’s largest meeting and event association, we have a responsibility to do our part,” said Diane Hawkins, executive vice president, volunteer engagement, MPI. “Our chapters, volunteers and staff are all working together to commit time and resources to such an important issue that affects all of us. It’s inspiring to see the commitment and involvement of various stakeholders across our organization.”

The other two Top Members recognized alongside MPI include Park Royal Hotel & Resorts in Mexico and travel services provider Sawadee in The Netherlands.

To learn more about The Code, Top Members, its six criteria and more, go here.

ASM Global and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority

In September, three Philadelphia undergraduate students were awarded scholarships from the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and leading venue and event strategy and management provider ASM Global, via its inaugural ASM Global Stars Scholarship Program.

This new scholarship program, which provides educational and career development opportunities through scholarship awards and prospective internships to diverse and under-resourced communities, is a part of ASM Global Acts, a corporate social responsibility platform launched in 2021.

“One of the key pillars of the ASM Global ACTS initiative is investing in people, and at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, we are committed to creating opportunities for the youth in our communities to have access to the resources they need to build their skills for a meaningful career in the hospitality and tourism industry,” said Kelvin D. Moore, regional vice president, ASM Global and general manager at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. 

He added, “We also thank the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority for their continued partnership and the shared mission of making a difference in the communities in which we serve.”

Philadelphia students Vivian Freymoyer, an incoming freshman majoring in food marketing at Saint Joseph’s University, and Michelle Linahan and Daniella Sirleaf, both business majors at the Community College of Philadelphia, were announced as scholarship recipients, along with 22 other students from across the U.S.

The Philadelphia scholarships were matched by the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which allowed more students to benefit from the award, further supporting their education and career goals.

“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority is committed to investing in the future of the hospitality industry,” said John J. McNichol, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. “Initiatives such as the ASM Global Stars Scholarship Program are closely aligned with the overall mission of the Authority and provide a wonderful opportunity to make education more accessible for all. We are proud to support the academic pursuits of these three scholars.”

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