From community volunteering to product donations, a growing number of conventions are looking to leave a positive impact in the cities that host them. Such legacy initiatives ensure a conference or event’s impact extends beyond its actual duration, contributing to the community’s long-term wellbeing. Case in point: the Rodan + Fields 2023 Convention, which brought thousands of the company’s representatives from across the country to the George R. Brown Convention Center in October.

Through the Rodan + Fields Prescription for Change project, the skincare and haircare company provides grants and products to underserved communities. Since 2008, the company has committed more than $18 million to nonprofit partners that have empowered nearly 1.7 million youth and responded to multiple natural disasters.

Here in Houston, R+F Convention attendees assembled a total of 3,000 bags of hygiene products that were then delivered to the nonprofit SEARCH Homeless Services, which helps individuals and families transition to safe homes.

“Giving back is a fundamental part of our Do Good strategy, and we are incredibly honored to support local partners who are creating more inclusive and sustainable communities in Houston,” said Lindsay Vignoles, Director of Environmental, Social and Governance for Rodan + Fields.

Rodan + Fields also donated school supplies to the Houston Food Bank Teachers Aid Program. The boxes of paper, a white board, sanitizing wipes, Kleenex, pens, markers, as well as organization carts, bins, and stools were provided to teachers to assist in the classroom.

Legacy initiatives have been a focus of many international meetings and conventions for several years and are becoming increasingly popular among U.S. events. Groups often look to align their legacy programs with their organization’s mission and values.