January is national human trafficking awareness and prevention month. Sex trafficking is an issue that feels almost impossible to solve but if everyone took steps to recognize the signs and help, we could make an impact. The International Labor Organization estimates that over 40 million people are living in trafficking worldwide, 1 out of 4 being children. This isn’t an issue in a faraway country either – human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states. Everyone should be aware of human trafficking signs.
Today we will talk about what steps the events and meeting industry can take to spot human trafficking signs. It’s a difficult and multi-sector issue and we are all responsible for helping prevent and catch it.
Joining us today is the iconic Michelle Guelbart, Director of Private Sector Engagement at ECPAT-USA. ECPAT-USA is a policy advocacy organization that works to end the sex trafficking of children. They are part of a larger international network with offices in 94 countries. She will teach us about human trafficking signs to look for and recognize potential trafficking situations, and why it’s important that event planners take action. This is an episode you truly have to watch.
Follow our iconic guests on Twitter:
- Brandt Krueger of Event Technology Consulting (@BrandtKrueger)
- Michelle Guelbart of ECPAT-USA (@michelleguelb)
Check out the epic resources about human trafficking signs:
- ECPAT-USA
- International Labour Organization
- Airline Ticket Agent Saves 2 Teens from Suspected Trafficking Plot
- The Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct
- Training for Meeting and Events Professionals on Trafficking
- Love 146
