HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International was recognized by as one of this year's , becoming the first company in the gaming sector to be honored for its human trafficking prevention efforts. Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming also provided updates on anti-trafficking efforts, including new student education programs.
ECPAT International is a leading organization that coordinates research, advocacy and action to end the exploitation of vulnerable children. Supported by ECPAT, is an international framework that equips the travel and tourism industry with resources and training to protect children from sexual exploitation. Member companies receive operational tools to help identify and prevent exploitation while showing their dedication to child protection in an industry that offenders frequently target. Hard Rock became a signatory of The Code in 2022.
"Everyone at Hard Rock International is incredibly honored to be recognized by ECPAT International and The Code for the work we are doing to combat human trafficking," said Stephanie Piimauna, Senior Vice President of People & Inclusion at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. "Human trafficking is a critical issue that demands sustained action from industry leaders. While we are proud of this milestone, we view it as motivation to continue our efforts to protect vulnerable individuals worldwide."
To commemorate World Tourism Day on September 27, Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming participated in ECPAT's "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation" event. Paul Pellizzari, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming , and Durante Blais-Billie, Hard Rock's Social Responsibility Specialist and a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, presented at a highlighting Hard Rock's various anti-trafficking initiatives and how these comprehensive efforts empower every team member to embody key company mottos including Take Time to Be Kind and All is One.
Hard Rock's continue to expand, with new data showing significant growth in program reach and impact:
- Social Identity Quest (SIQ) Program: This year, another 500,000 students across the United States and Mexico have completed Hard Rock's SIQ educational program with , the US affiliate of ECPAT International, and an organization dedicated to the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children. For the fall, Hard Rock just released three new SIQ programs: a Spanish-language version, a program for grades 4–6 focusing on social media & information sharing safety and another program for grades 7–12 focusing on healthy online relationships, as well as . In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized SIQ as a national best practice in 2025.
- Supporting PACT: Hard Rock donated $100,000 to in 2025 to date through the Change for Change initiative, which allows guests at participating Hard Rock casinos to donate change from cash tickets to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation® for anti-human trafficking efforts.
- Team Member Training: Hard Rock has empowered guest-facing team members with more than 65,000 completed sessions at its hotels and casinos through comprehensive anti-trafficking training in 2025 to date, creating a frontline network of professionals equipped to recognize warning signs and respond effectively to protect potential victims.
To learn more about Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming's human trafficking prevention efforts, visit hardrock.com/social-responsibility.
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