ConferenceDirect Signs ECPAT-USA Code
Washington, D.C. (May 22, 2018) — ConferenceDirect has signed the ECPAT-USA Code, making a commitment to work against the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism. The Code, or Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism, was developed by ECPAT to provide awareness, tools, and support to the hospitality and tourism industry to end the sex trafficking of children.
“We’re proud to have signed ECPAT’s Code, to make an impact and help prevent sexual exploitation of children in the tourism industry. Our Associates travel often, and with the tools and training we continue to learn, we will all be more alert to potential situations,” said Brian Stevens, CEO of ConferenceDirect.
Stevens signed The Code on Tuesday, May 22nd in Washington, DC with Carol Smolenski, the Founder and Executive Director of ECPAT-USA. "We are honored to partner with ConferenceDirect to fight child sex trafficking in the global meetings industry and beyond. ConferenceDirect joins a family of leading companies committed to ending the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism by taking six steps including staff training and adopting a policy against sexual exploitation. This signing represents the latest step forward in reaching that goal,” said Smolenski. "We especially thank Brian Stevens and ConferenceDirect’s leadership for championing this vital cause to protect children from exploitation."
About ECPAT-USA
ECPAT-USA is the leading anti-child trafficking organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. ECPAT-USA is a member of ECPAT International, a network of organizations in more than 90 countries with one common mission: to eliminate the sexual exploitation of children around the world. Learn more at ecpatusa.org.
About ConferenceDirect
Based in West Hollywood, California, ConferenceDirect is a full-service global meetings solution company whose portfolio of services includes: Site Selection & Contract Negotiation, Conference Management, Housing & Registration Services, Mobile App Technology and Strategic Meetings Management Programs. Our 350+ Associates manage over 11,000 meetings, conferences and events representing 3.88 million room nights annually for more than 2,500 customers. For more information, visit conferencedirect.com.
About the Code
The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct, known as The Code, is the world’s first and only voluntary set of business principles that travel companies can implement to prevent child trafficking. The Code provides awareness, tools, and support to travel companies, with the aim of creating a highly aware and well-trained tourism industry that can recognize and prevent potential abuse. Since its launch in 2004, more than 40 US companies have joined the Code, including some of the world’s most notable airlines, hotels, and travel management companies. To learn more, visit ecpatusa.org/Code.
