ConferenceDirect Empowers Its Employees to Help Stop Human Trafficking
April 19, 2018
Last month, full-service global meetings solution company, ConferenceDirect, provided 23 of its associates with the opportunity to learn how to identify and help stop a growing problem in the hospitality industry: human trafficking.
At the company’s Annual Partner Meeting on March 28 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, the ConferenceDirect employees completed a Human Trafficking Awareness course presented by the Los Angeles Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST), which works to identify human trafficking cases in the Los Angeles region and offers a variety of local public speaking engagements including specialized training in identifying trafficking victims.
Led by Becca Channell, CAST task force coordinator, the certification course provided a practical introduction to the issue; shared real case studies in the hospitality industry to help associates understand the scenarios they might come across in their day-to-day work, and provided tools and resources to identify and respond effectively to a suspected human trafficking case.
“ConferenceDirect understands this is a growing issue and being in the hospitality industry, many of our Associates travel often and could potentially witness cases,” explained Larry Hanson, ConferenceDirect CMO.
He continued, “Now they will be able to be more alert to these situations and know how to handle them with the tools they learned: how to identify a suspected case and what to do when you witness something.”
According to the International Labour Organization and CAST, human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise of the 21st century, with California, Florida and New York particularly vulnerable to this problem due to factors such as proximity to international borders, numerous ports and airports, significant immigrant populations and large economies that include industries that attract forced labor.
Although most of the CAST course participants were shocked by how often human trafficking happens in Los Angeles communities, they felt empowered upon completion of the course as well as pleased to have the tools to be more alert in their day-to-day activities, according to ConferenceDirect officials.
“We were honored to have (CAST CEO Kay Buck) and Becca join us at our Annual Partner Meeting to discuss the importance of human trafficking and lead a course with some of our Associates to help us become more aware of this growing issue,” Hanson said.
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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