* * * MEDIA ADVISORY * * *

DALLAS, TX (September 29, 2022) - Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world’s largest meeting and event industry association, was recently recognized for its commitment to end the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism.

MPI was the only U.S.-based member among the three Top Members in 2022 recognized by The Code (short for The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism), a multi-stakeholder initiative supported by ECPAT. Top Members were selected based on their demonstration of implementation of The Code’s six criteria, which include a clause in contracts throughout the value chain that states a common repudiation and zero tolerance policy of sexual exploitation of children, training employees in children’s rights, how to report suspected cases and more.

Over the past few years, MPI’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, chapter leaders and MPI staff have played a role in ensuring MPI was meeting its commitment to The Code.

“MPI is dedicated to ending human trafficking and as the world’s largest meeting and event association, we have a responsibility to do our part. Our chapters, volunteers and staff are all working together to commit time and resources to such an important issue that affects all of us,” said Diane Hawkins, executive vice president, volunteer engagement, MPI. “It’s inspiring to see the commitment and involvement of various stakeholders across our organization.”

Learn more about The Code, Top Members, its six criteria and more at https://thecode.org/the-code-top-members-2022/.

About MPI: Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide. The organization provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals including nearly 14,000 engaged members. It has nearly 70 chapters, clubs and members in more than 75 countries worldwide. "When we meet, we change the world." 

 Media Contact:  Christa Schelter, communications@mpi.org