Want to Combat Human Trafficking? Get Involved with 20BY20!
July 17, 2019
To help draw attention to the serious issue of human trafficking, ECPAT-USA, part of ECPAT International — a global network working to eradicate sexual exploitation of children — is launching a new campaign called 20BY20.
The year-long initiative aims to train 20,000 business events professionals on what they can do to prevent and respond to human trafficking by July 2020. It officially kicks off on July 30, coinciding with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an awareness day designated by the United Nations.
Participation by the business events community is especially important, as human traffickers often use travel industry infrastructure, such as hotels and airlines, to exploit and transport their victims. Large-scale events are also often targeted to find customers. That’s why ECPAT-USA believes the industry can be a leader in fighting this global issue.
“As the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children, ECPAT-USA understands the urgency of getting the word out to business events professionals,” says Michelle Guelbart, director of private-sector engagement for the organization.
She continues, “We believe the time is now for #20BY20 and know this landmark effort will bring together the industry to make a true difference in our shared goal to fight and eradicate human trafficking.”
If you’d like to get involved, there are two main ways you can help through sponsorship. Industry organizations can endorse the 20BY20 program by becoming a recognized ECPAT-USA Business Events Advocate (promoting the campaign and actively encouraging your team to be trained) or an ECPAT-USA Business Events Champion (promoting the campaign and sponsoring your team’s training).
The course is a 25-minute online training that addresses human trafficking, as well as its intersection with the events and travel industry. It covers topics such as how to recognize the signs of sex trafficking, why traffickers use the travel industry, and how to take action with clients and suppliers to stop it. The course provides CE credit for the CMP credential, as well.
Participation interest is requested by July 19 so the organization can provide communications tools as well as recognition on ECPAT-USA’s website and social media channels to industry partners. Sponsors will receive an online toolkit that includes website graphics, digital messaging, introduction posts for your communications channels and ongoing messaging throughout the campaign.
To learn more about 20BY20 or to get involved, go here.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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