As I read the online conversation stream from the meetings world this morning, I was struck again by the currency of conferences and events—and how little attention the general news media pays to this industry, unless there’s a perceived scandal. While industry organizations have done a good job promoting the economic power of meetings, there has not been an equal media blitz on the good work thousands of attendees perform while at meetings around the world. The echo effect of charitable activities planned by event organizers is dramatic, reaching the needy and often changing the lives of participants.

A guest post by Calum Maclean on plannerwire.net offers examples of simple ways events can change lives. In clear, simple steps Maclean outlines actions that he says are affordable, personal, accountable and have “a massive and immediate impact.” He also promises that they “will instill in your attendees a level of pride in your company or organization that is usually extremely difficult or expensive.”

When former ambassador Andrew Young spoke at our Marketplace conferences a few years ago, he called planners ambassadors to the world. He urged the audience to be proud of their roles as messengers of common human values that rise above ethnic, religious and political differences. He also encouraged them to include giveback activities in all of their events.

The pay it forward possibilities in every meeting you plan is huge. Watch the videos accompanying Maclean’s post and you’ll be moved by what you can do.

Read “Protecting Our Children” for another simple step you can add to your site selection process that might help save a child.

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