Interview with Sandy Biback, Founder , Meeting Planners Professionals Against Human Trafficking, Canada

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CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS:

Eyes Open: Recognizing and Combating Human Trafficking in Our Midst

In this episode of the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, host Suzanne F. Stevens converses with Sandy Biback, the founder of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT), on the pervasive issue of human trafficking. Biback shares her journey from a trip that opened her eyes to the realities of human trafficking in Cambodia to launching MPAHT in 2017 to combat sex trafficking and slavery within the hospitality and travel industries through education and resources.

The discussion delves into the various forms of modern slavery, the importance of community and industry awareness, and how individuals and businesses can make a difference. Biback highlights ongoing efforts, including advocating for better training in hotels, creating awareness through signage, and partnering with organizations like Ottawa Tourism to further the cause. Additionally, the podcast touches on MPAHT’s volunteer-driven initiatives, the significant role of education in prevention, and how individuals can engage in the fight against trafficking.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and the Fight Against Human Trafficking

01:41 Meet Sandy Biback: A Crusader Against Human Trafficking

03:33 The Catalyst for Change: Sandy’s Journey to Combat Human Trafficking

06:57 Understanding the Complex World of Modern Slavery

09:00 The Harsh Realities of Sex Trafficking and Its Victims

18:53 The Role of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT)

26:12 Expanding the Fight: Education, Awareness, and Supply Chain Ethics

31:52 Measuring Social Impact: Personal Stories and Strategies

32:37 Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activities

38:24 Expanding Awareness: Strategies and Challenges

45:57 Building a Volunteer Network: Engagement and Sustainability

50:47 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Inspirations

55:24 Closing Thoughts: Making Your Contribution Count

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Interview with Sandy Biback, Founder , Meeting Planners Professionals Against Human Trafficking; Canada

Sandy Biback has been a member of the conference/business/event business for over 40 years. Along the way, she has worked for planning companies and a hotel and has owned her own professional planning consulting company since January 1990. For about 15 years, Sandy taught hospitality and conference management at several colleges. She has served on countless boards within professional associations. She has collaborated on industry textbooks. Sandy has spoken at many industry events and has been published widely. Along the way, she has continued to learn and grow within her profession. She has won several awards for her work, teaching, and mentoring. Aligned with her retirement in 2017, she began researching the horrors of sex trafficking and realized it WAS happening in hotels at all levels, at conferences, and sporting events. She formed Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (www.mpaht.com) as a grassroots organization with a group of passionate professionals to create awareness and collaboration between planners and hotels. Ultimately, MPAHT wants to see every planner ask about training for every hotel they intend to use AND to see every hotel have training for all staff. Sandy was named a 2019 Smart Women in Meetings Award winner in the Visionary category. This prestigious awards platform honors women who have significantly impacted the meeting industry and inspired female meeting ambassadors worldwide. In 2021, she won a Women Who Rock Award-one of only six women to win. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/women-who-rock-awards-1.6225113 In October 2022, Sandy was named to the Event Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders, for career spanning achievements. https://www.meetingsnet.com/global-events-planning/eic-announces-2022-recipients-its-hall-leaders-other-global-awards

United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal(s) addressed:
#1. No Poverty, #4. Quality Education, #16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Social impact:
MPAHT is dedicated to addressing the critical issue of human trafficking and slavery, with a continued emphasis on combating sex trafficking. As a leading organization, we strive to maintain and expand our role in providing education and resources to the hospitality and travel industries. Our efforts include: Educating and networking with other organizations. Advocating for industry-wide action to address trafficking issues. Supporting their initiatives. We are committed to creating an online library of resources and sharing global resources through our digital media. After nearly six years of raising awareness about human trafficking in the hospitality sector, we are witnessing a shift in our purpose and mission. With increased awareness and active engagement in the fight against sex trafficking and the broader issue of human trafficking within the hospitality, tourism, and conference industries, MPAHT is redirecting its energies to further our impact."

Website: https://mpaht.com/

Jayne Amelia Larson, Creator & Host, Bonus Babies Podcast, United States

Note: This conversation is transcribed using AI software, which means the transcription is not perfect. Watch the video or listen to the podcast to hear our guest’s wisdom in her own words. If you want to see more interviews like this, please comment below!

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