When Dr. Celia Williamson set out to organize her first academic conference on human trafficking at The University of Toledo, she envisioned a one-time event that could fit within the confines of a small meeting room.
Today, UToledo’s International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference is the largest academic conference of its type in the world, having drawn attendees from all 50 states and 50 separate countries.
“Twenty years ago, there were people in pockets throughout the U.S. who were doing this work, but they were very isolated,” said Williamson, a Distinguished University Professor of social work and director of the UToledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute. “I thought we needed to get together, but I had no idea it would become this big.”
This year’s conference — the 20th annual — will be held virtually Sept. 20-22 and feature more than 110 live webinar presentations.
Registration is open through Tuesday, Sept. 12. Individuals can view the full schedule of events and register to attend on the International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference website.
Williamson, a social worker, community advocate and internationally recognized researcher whose work with victims has revolutionized global anti-trafficking efforts, said the conference has shown the value of academic research in the area of human trafficking and helped to dispel disinformation about the issue.
“The ripple effect of our conference will probably never be truly quantified, but we know the conference and the work that it has helped to inspire has made a direct impact, both here in the United States and across the world,” Williamson said. “We have really been able to shape the narrative and change the conversation about human trafficking.”
Over the years, she said, the conference has inspired college students to change their major, professionals to change jobs and served as a launching pad for new programs, organizations and safe houses.
“This not only provides researchers a place to feel that their research is important and credible, but it also gives survivors a place to see the world is focused on this issue,” Williamson said.
Part of what has made UToledo’s conference unique is the breadth of voices who have presented at the event over the years.
While solidly an academic conference, the schedule regularly includes non-academic voices, including a number of human trafficking survivors who have shared first-person accounts of their own experiences.
Organizers also have invited sex workers, reformed traffickers and activists to present.
“It can be provocative,” Williamson said. “Attendees are going to hear from people they never thought they would hear from.”
The conference is primarily geared toward researchers, service providers, healthcare and legal professionals, advocates, college students and survivors, though Williamson said people from all backgrounds and of all knowledge levels are welcome to attend.
Following the live presentation, webinars will be available on demand to attendees through Friday, Oct. 13.
