A majority of planners are increasing the elements of volunteerism and charity at their meetings and events, in part simply because "it's the right thing to do," according to a recent M&C Research survey. Among other reasons cited most by the 114 respondents: Such activities boost participants' morale (48 percent), they often are part of a broader company initiative (38 percent), and attendees specifically request charitable agenda items (24 percent). Just 32 percent have no plans to increase volunteer activities at their meetings.
More than one-third (35 percent) of survey respondents would add a charitable element to meetings even if doing so increased their costs.
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82% have planned meetings that included a volunteer/charitable component.
35% say their organizations have established a policy with respect to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
15% admit that easing the negative perceptions associated with meetings is among their reasons for adding more charitable components to their events.
18% would not add a charitable element if it increased costs; another 47 percent are unsure.