Event production and technology firm Encore has committed $150,000 to the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation's No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund.
The two-year commitment begins in 2027 and expands Encore's existing efforts to address human trafficking through employee awareness, training and industry collaboration. The Schiller Park, Ill.-based company said all global team members are required to complete human trafficking awareness training as part of the onboarding process to help identify and report potential signs of trafficking.
The No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund provides grants to organizations that offer job training, workforce development, emergency assistance and other services designed to help survivors achieve long-term economic independence.
“Human trafficking is an urgent issue facing the hospitality industry and our communities,” Ben Erwin, president and CEO of Encore and a member of the AHLA Board of Directors, said in a statement. “As a partner to 2,200 hotel and event venues around the world, we have an opportunity to help address challenges that impact our industry. We're proud to be the first premier hospitality industry partner to join this important initiative.”
“We are grateful for Encore's support of No Room for Trafficking and their commitment to helping create safer environments across the hospitality industry,” added Kevin Carey, president and CEO of the AHLA Foundation.
An estimated 28 million people are trafficked worldwide on any given day, and human trafficking generates more than $172 billion annually across the global economy. Encore noted the investment is part of its broader responsible business initiatives focused on industry collaboration and supporting safer environments across the hospitality sector.