Now that meetings are on the upswing and incentive programs are returning to all of our cities, we wondered if this would forestall CSR programming, but we are happy to report that CSR is preserving its valuable position within client programs and events.
When the “perfect storm” of economic downturn, political pressure and media scrutiny focused on corporate spending and the meetings industry, ACCESS was one of the first destination management companies to pioneer groundbreaking CSR programming as a way to put meaning into meetings©.
Through CSR programs, tens of thousands of combined volunteer hours and resulting experiences have enriched the lives of countless meeting, conference and incentive attendees around the country, while strengthening CSR initiatives within the sponsoring companies..
“We wanted to find someone to help us connect with the community in areas which had both meaning and long-term impact because we have a real social responsibility to give back to every community we work in. We gave ACCESS a huge challenge and they dedicated a huge amount of time to us...they are part of our team.” - Sr. Vice President of HR, Hess Corporation
We have recently found that groups are also seeking "emotionally impactful" venues such as military bases, where proceeds benefit the men and women who serve our country. In addition to CSR events, we are noticing a more conscious effort among planners to utilize the local resources of the destinations in which their meetings will be held. Requests for locally produced goods and locally provided services are on the rise, in support of the local economy. Overall, there are positive signs that CSR programs and social awareness continue to be part of the corporate meeting and incentive planners’ values.
In addition to developing CSR events for our clients, ACCESS Destination Services champions local initiatives which have benefited more than 10,000 youths and such worthy programs as Head Start classrooms, Ronald McDonald House facility preparation, local vocational schools, holiday gifting, cancer awareness and more. Since ACCESS” involvement with the Head Start program ten years ago, the number of children and teens they’ve helped has increased over one thousand percent!
I am happy to report that CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) continues to figure prominently in meetings and incentive travel programs throughout 2011, based on company-wide projections.