Trending now in the corporate event scene is incorporating social responsibility initiatives. According to Investopedia, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business model that helps a company be socially accountable. By practicing corporate social responsibility, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they are having on all aspects of society including economic, social, and environmental. Lately, we’ve seen more and more corporate clients incorporate an activity into their events to promote goodwill.
Non-Profit Highlight
If you are an organization that hosts networking opportunities for your clients, prospects, or partners (especially if these events are free to attend), a simple way to incorporate goodwill into the event is through on-site donations. Having a non-profit highlight at your event is a great way to create visibility of your social responsibility efforts. Before the event, pick a non-profit that has a connection to your organization, or let a sponsor or your event’s keynote speaker pick a charitable organization close to their heart. In pre-event communication, let your attendees know who the non-profit highlight will be, and how they can support the cause. This could be bringing items to donate like toys or canned food, or monetary donations on-site. Having a non-profit highlight adds a marketing partnership opportunity with the organization, and gives your attendees an easy way to give back without having to think about it!
Volunteer Project
Do you have a workshop, all-team meeting, or conference coming up? A great way to get your company’s employees involved in social responsibility efforts is by incorporating a service project in your meeting timeline. This could be packing meals for homeless community members, creating birthday cards for the elderly in nursing homes, or making superhero capes for children with cancer. These activities are fun and engaging, and your employees will feel like they are making a difference. A volunteer project during a multi-day conference is also a great way to break up the day and provide a valuable experience to attendees.
Holiday Party Giving
The holidays are always a time for giving and generosity. Does your office do a holiday secret santa exchange? Instead of purchasing gifts for one another, encourage your employees to purchase a gift for someone in need and spend time together to help those who need it more. You could collect these gifts at your annual office holiday party. Another idea for the holidays is starting an annual give back campaign and allowing your employees to vote for a non-profit they’d like to see your organization make a donation to. Reveal the winner of your give back campaign at your office holiday party!
No matter how you build your corporate social responsibility, it is important to have a positive impact on your company’s community. This is a good reminder that your community includes your clients, prospects, partners, and employees. Show goodwill for the people that impact your business and think about the ways you can incorporate corporate social responsibility into your next event. Need help brainstorming ideas? We’re here to help you think of the perfect way to show you care. Email us at info@dogoodevents.com.