Businesses, large and small, have become more conscious of the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) across many industries.
Customers expect businesses to give back to their communities by donating money and time to economic, social, and environmental causes. Innovative companies have noticed this trend.
Hosting a charity event is an excellent way for companies to start a CSR campaign. This must be done carefully, with a lot of planning and organization. EventMobi has assisted many companies in holding successful CSR events. We’ve compiled some top tips for companies that want to impact social change significantly.
Why Mix Corporate Social Responsibility and Events?
Any CSR program or event should have a primary purpose. Companies should organize CSR campaigns simply because it is correct.
A successful corporate social responsibility initiative comes with some additional benefits:
Increased brand recognition and brand image
Like any event, you will promote your CSR campaign through PR, social marketing, email marketing, and other channels.
You can generate a lot of buzz around an event that will positively affect the perception of your business. Even after the event is over, this reputation boost can continue to be a strong one.
Higher employee engagement and satisfaction
CSR campaigns are not only beneficial for the general public. Your employees can also benefit. You can allow them to participate in the event and let them decide which charities you will partner with. They will be grateful for the chance to do something meaningful and impactful and build relationships with their coworkers during the experience.
It’s important to remember that while it is a great idea to include your employees in your CSR campaign. However, it should be a manageable task for them. You can give them the time they need during their work hours to devote to the campaign without asking them to work extra hours.
New opportunities for customer and networking relationships
Although the main focus of your CSR event should not be on sales, hosting a socially responsible gathering opens up new opportunities and strengthens existing relationships with clients or customers.
It is essential to include your existing audience in your CSR programs. Allow them to donate to your cause or attend your event. You may match their donations.
CSR Event Example from EventMobi
Stop Hunger Now joins Cisco.
Cisco donated more than 100,000 meals to Stop Hunger Now as part of its CSR program during the Cisco Live Event 2015. To surpass its previous record, the company hosted the activation again the following year. The company offered attendees the chance to make hygiene kits for the poor through the non-profit Clean The World. These kits were distributed to people in need in Las Vegas, where the CSR event occurred.
Oracle OpenWorld hosts a sustainable-first event in CSR.
Oracle OpenWorld’s mission is to host the “most sustainable conference globally.”
Based on the 2015 conference, the Sustainable Event Report was prepared by the company. It outlines several goals for the event. They include zero waste to landfill, reducing 2012 onsite emissions by half by 2018, and giving back to the community. OpenWorld follows the ISO 20121 process: 2012 Event Sustainability Management Systems.
SalesForce organizes an event to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Salesforce.com’s annual mega-conference Dreamforce raised $3 million to support ( RED), which will help end AIDS forever, and $10 million to support UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Participants packed 2,000 kits for early STEM education, assembled 2,000 Food=Medicine bags for Project Open Hand, and assisted young entrepreneurs in launching a lemonade stand at Salesforce.
The organizers also invited participants to participate in the #PledgeitForward charitable movement. They asked students to code, make and tour the campus. The Green Angels employees assisted attendees with water conservation and sorting food waste.
Events will Grow Corporate Social Responsibility.
Private citizens and the government can only do so much. The many economic and feeling-good benefits corporations receive can only motivate them to implement CSR programs. They can also extend these programs through conferences and events. The event industry has supported CSR opportunities for years. With the incoming millennial generation, the industry will likely push CSR further. Corporate event marketers understand that giving back is good business and feels good.
