(Pictured above:Artwork from the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2018, UNODC)
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) proudly joined the fight against human trafficking through its support of ECPAT-USA, the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children.
ECPAT-USA focuses on awareness, advocacy, policy and legislation, and is a member of ECPAT International, a network of organizations in 95 countries working together toward one common mission: to eliminate the sexual exploitation of children.
A major effort toward this goal, the #20BY20 Campaign, was launched in July in tandem with the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The #20BY20 Campaign aims to train 20,000 business events professionals by 2020 on how they are key to front-line defense efforts to combat human trafficking. Victims are often sold in hotel rooms and transported via airlines, commercial buses, and the on-demand economy. Large events are often used as conduits for business transactions.
Exhibitions and events professionals can learn how to recognize and address these activities at their events through a 25-minute online training course, Preventing & Responding To Human Trafficking And The Commercial Sexual Exploitation Of Children. Industry organizations can also support the campaign through two partnership levels: ECPAT-USA BE Advocate and ECPAT-BE Champion.
“Addressing the intersections between human trafficking and the event and travel industry is a key step in the fight to end exploitation,” says Michelle Guelbart, director of private sector engagement at ECPAT-USA. “We are so grateful to our partners like IAEE who have made educating and empowering others about this issue a priority.”
“IAEE is proud to support such a worthy cause,” says IAEE President and CEO David DuBois. “It is a sad and ugly reality that human trafficking has infiltrated our industry, but it doesn’t have to remain that way. By joining forces, exhibitions and events professionals can send a resounding message that this activity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely, and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint; a2z, Inc.; BearCom; Buttine Exhibition Insurance; Convention News Television (CNTV); Delta Airlines; New Orleans & Company; New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; Orange County Convention Center; Streampoint Solutions; and Synchronicities (Visit Anaheim, Visit Baltimore and Visit San Antonio). For more info, visit www.iaee.com .
