Recently I attended a Meeting Professionals International (MPI) seminar regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). What exactly is CSR? How is it defined and is it measured? How does it impact the meetings industry? Is CSR a fleeting trend or is it here to stay?
Here is the definition as provided by MPI:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the recognition that an organization is inextricably intertwined with society and the earth and must take responsibility for its actions in regard to the ”Triple bottom line" of people, planet, and profit. Not only do responsible approaches help build brand and reputation, they help strengthen the community and therefore the marketplace. A solid strategic plan, embedded into the business culture, which recognizes the importance of CSR will help to build a sustainable and profitable future for all.
I work with many meeting professionals and enjoyed learning about CSR from a meeting manager’s point of view. Currently meeting professionals include environmentally friendly requirements in their RFP’s to venues and vendors. These requirements include items and services such as, mandatory recycling, meals and refreshments with washable and reusable plates; forks; napkins; nothing disposable, including no bottled water. Also included is purchasing and interacting locally, donating excess to local shelters, serving local foods and purchasing locally produced promotional gifts.
Imagine traveling all the way to beautiful and sunny San Diego and receiving a promotional gift made in China? Instead rather, how about a bottle of wine from a local winery, truffles from a local chocolatier or art from a talented San Diego artist. Locally and globally, it makes more sense.
For more information about locally made corporate gifts, please e-mail me at Lorraine@RAINpromos.com
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