It is almost impossible to understand the full scope and scale of the serious issue of human trafficking, due to the hidden nature of the issue.  Being able to spot the signs is critical, as well as understanding how sex trafficking relates to the meetings & events and hospitality industries.

Individuals in these industries have a powerful role to play in the fight and are often times in the best position to identify potential signs when educated on what to look for.

First step is awareness and how do you address an issue some don't even know exists right in their neighborhood? 

So, what can we do as industry professionals to help stop human trafficking? 

If you work in hospitality at a hotel/resort, or even if you are attending a conference or event at a property – there are things you can watch for in the lobby and during your stay. (Source site: MPAHT – Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking)

•         Young person looks nervous, uncomfortable or “out of it”

•         Dressed inappropriately for their age/weather or have lower quality clothing compared to others in their party

•          Persons checking-in have very little luggage with them

•         Constant “DO NOT DISTRURB’ sign on the door

•         Loud noises coming from a guestroom – music, yelling, fighting

•         Many male visitors coming and going from the room(s)

•         Door of guestroom opening and closing every 30 – 60 minutes

If you see something, say something!  Do NOT ever confront the trafficker or victim. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (info below).

HERE ARE SOME ACTIONABLE STEPS 

These could be applied whether you handle venue selections, work at the property or you may be a frequent traveler for your company at events. 

(Source site: MPAHT – Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking)

•        Make it a CONVERSATION 

Talk with your industry colleagues, hotels, convention centers, transportation partners, restaurants, DMCs/CVBs and your community. The more people are aware the better.

•        Include QUESTIONS on RFPs  

Ask how their property is addressing human trafficking.  Sample questions could be:

     1.  What policies are in place in your hotel on how suspected trafficking situations should be escalated and reported?

     2.  Do you conduct your own employee training on how to identify and report suspicious instances where child trafficking or illegal sexual exploitation might be occurring on your property?

•       DOWNLOAD and use TraffickCam

Upload at least 4 photos of the hotel room you stay in when you travel.

 It is a free database of hotel room images that help investigators use to determine where perpetrators of sex trafficking are committing their crimes.

•        JOIN/ SUPPORT MPAHT (Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking) – based in Toronto.  

You could also create a local chapter in your area to help make an impact.

•       SAY SOMETHING, if you see something suspicious.  

Call or text the National Human Trafficking Hotline – again, do NOT confront a victim or trafficker. 

·        Call: 1-888-373-7888

·        Text:   233733

·        Https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

Human trafficking is a serious violation and is the business of stealing freedom for profit.  Be informed, stay aware and take action.