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
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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