Solution for the AIG Effect

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In this new era of cost cutting, companies are scaling back on events that were once lavish and glamorous. The most frequently cancelled events are employee-centric parties focused on thanking or rewarding employees for their hard work and dedication. 

Companies cancel meetings or cut budget on such events as holiday parties, incentive events and employee appreciation parties. Nobody wants to give the perception that they are wasting money on lavish affairs while profits are down and the bottom-line is suffering. I like to refer to this as the AIG effect.  

In addition to cost cutting and canceling programs, companies are also cutting back on their community involvement and donations to many charitable organizations.

What many companies do not realize is that corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs can offer bottom-line results for event budgets and increase their level of community involvement.  Companies want to celebrate their employees, but not end up on the cover of the Wall Street Journal for spending profits on a party. CSR programs are the perfect cost-effective way for companies to achieve both of these goals.  

A growing number of companies have realized this solution. Companies such as Cisco are encouraging their planners to do more CSR-type events in lieu of holiday parties. Planners can showcase their strategic event management skills and work with their boards and senior management to provide this type of rewarding event.

One pioneer in this movement is Laurel Coote, owner of Meetings that Give Back, a division of The Laureli Group, Inc. Her company's vision of corporate social responsibility is one that goes beyond the traditional one-off "build-a-home" or "project-warmth" type activities.  Instead they work with each client to plan strategic programs designed to re-energize employees by making a connection with needy communities.  

How does this work exactly? Meetings that Give Back works with each company to match their mission, goals, culture and event needs with a targeted community need. They work with attendees to motivate them to share their time and talents with charitable organizations for much needed support and services.

While overall CSR programs are not a new concept, it's an option that is too often forgotten in the boardrooms. In this current economy, it's a win-win solution for both the company and the charitable organization. Companies are able to show a cost-effective bottom-line for the event and employees leave the event motivated and energized with a sense of accomplishment. Charitable organizations find that their need is fulfilled at least in the interim.

For more information on Meetings that Give Back, please click on the link below:

http://www.laureligroup.com/meetingsThatGive.html