Giving Back

TSNN is shining a bright, well-deserved spotlight on event companies that are #GivingBack to make a positive impact in their host and home communities.

Is your company #GivingBack? Tweet us using the #GivingBack hashtag to @TSNN_com_us and we’ll feature what your company is doing to help make the world a better place!

Jul 25, 2019
Event groups searching for the right venue that can accommodate and welcome special-needs attendees need look no further than MGM Resorts International. The resort company, which maintains a culture and mission of inclusion, recently hosted the National Federation of the Blind’s annual convention July 7 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The property team underwent extensive preparation and training to ensure the event’s 3,284 attendees had an unforgettable experience. As the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people, NFB had never taken its convention to Las… more
Jul 19, 2019
Greater Columbus Convention Center, managed by SMG, is now Certified Sensory Inclusive — the first convention in the convention center to earn this certification. KultureCity, which issues the certification, is a non-profit organization based in Birmingham, Alabama, that works toward creating sensory-inclusive venues. It’s meant to assist individuals with sensory challenges, such as those with autism, dementia, PTSD and similar health concerns, navigate such venues often affected by excess noise.  Sensory-sensitive guests of the GCCC can now enjoy events in the venue, thanks to this effort… more
Jul 10, 2019
Taking strides to make a positive difference in the world is becoming more and more common in the events industry now, with many venues, organizations and companies joining forces with national charitable efforts or creating their own CSR initiatives to help foster a more compassionate and inclusive society. Here are a few examples to be inspired by! Javits Center Lights Up with Pride New York City’s Javits Center recently celebrated its support for the LGBTQ+ community by participating in an inaugural five-borough rainbow lighting celebration to honor the queer community and the first… more
Jun 25, 2019
For the third year in a row, Cobo Center has kicked off its Cobo Cares program, which offers free exercise, networking and community engagement opportunities to local workers and residents in Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Launched in early May, the 2019 Cobo Cares season offers 13 exercise activities at the convention center through October, including Zumba, yoga and workout classes coupled with opportunities to give back to local nonprofit agencies that support needy area citizens. “The Cobo Cares program is a wonderful way to gather together and give back to our community while having… more
May 28, 2019
You know that incorporating corporate social responsibility activities during your events can be a win-win all around – for your attendees, charities in destinations that host your events, the destinations themselves, and of course, your organization. Yet you might be feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to begin.  While incorporating CSR can seem daunting, there are more resources than ever available to support planners in this process. To help inspire you to take that next step, Tammi Runzler, co-founder of CSRConnections, a corporate social responsibility company that helps match up… more
May 07, 2019
Many trade show-related suppliers and organizations are making incredible strides toward creating a more equitable and compassionate world through corporate social responsibility initiatives and activities. The Vancouver Convention Center and Tourism Vancouver were recently recognized as Social Procurement Champions by Exchange Inner City and Buy Social Canada for demonstrating excellence in social procurement­ –– the intentional purchase of goods and/or services that result in positive change. “We are honored to be recognized for our practice of social procurement, an initiative that we… more
Apr 24, 2019
For the past few weeks, Events for Namuwongo sought industry support to help its short film “Events for Namuwongo – The Work” win the People’s Choice, Charity Film of the year at the Charity Film Awards, which was held April 26 at the new etc.venues in London. While it didn’t win the title, there are still many reasons to watch the film, which covers EFN’s life-changing work to improve the living conditions and youth educational opportunities in the underprivileged community of Namuwongo in Uganda. After 60,000 public votes were cast across 400 different charities, a team of expert judges… more
Apr 10, 2019
Javits Center has expanded and extended its Javits Juniors Scholarship Program, designed to support the higher education of local high school students while encouraging them to seek ways of improving their community through public service and innovative thinking. Now in its second year, the program will award five $5,000 college scholarships to three students at Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction and two students at High School of Fashion Industries, both located on Manhattan’s West Side. “These scholarships have a tremendous impact on the future of these students, and we are… more
Mar 20, 2019
Charity is an obligation, not an option, according to Jerry Hellmann, co-CEO of AFR Furniture Rental, a national furniture rental company that provides furnishings for homes, offices, special events and trade shows, while also making corporate social responsibility a top company-wide initiative. “Working charitably in our communities and within our industry is a part of the woven tapestry that is AFR Furniture Rental,” Hellmann says. “It’s not just words – it’s action.” Exemplifying the company’s dedication to giving back to those in need in the communities it serves, Together We Can is AFR… more
Feb 27, 2019
Myriad event-related companies and organizations are demonstrating their cultures of compassion by donating their time, money and energy to causes that make a difference. Here are four carrying out initiatives that might just inspire your own CSR programming. International Home + Housewares Show Celebrates Philanthropy At its upcoming 2019 Annual Housewares Cares Charity Gala, taking place March 4 during the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, the Housewares Charity Foundation will honor four industry veterans for their philanthropic endeavors. Honorees… more
Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact