This panel is organized jointly by Dr. Michael Duignan, Professeur des universites, University of Paris 1: Pantheon-Sorbonne and Founder and Chair of the Centre for Events & Festivals (CEF), Dr. Jessica Wickey Byrd, Executive Director of the University of Central Florida, Center for the study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, and Mr. Tomas J. Lares, President and Founder of United Abolitionists, Inc. The panel is a robust conversation to include data, education, funding, service providers, AI and technology, and other perspectives from content experts in the field.Tickets are FREE!Select an in-person or virtual option.Panelists:1. Dr. Alan Fyall - Moderator 2. Alan Wilkett - law enforcement perspective 3. Dr. Jessica Wickey - education perspective 4. Olivia Littleton - lived experience perspective 5. Jodi Domangue - advocacy and support perspective 6. Sarah Mahoney - funding perspective 7. Noel Thomas - AI and technology perspective 8. Claudia Villa-Hughes - sports and human rights perspectiveVirtual Location URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/major-events-and-human-trafficking-tickets-1607428976339?aff=oddtdtcreator Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/major-events-and-human-trafficking-tickets-1607428976339?aff=oddtdtcreator

The 16th annual Polaris Star Award Ceremony and Reception is an annual event that brings together individuals, organizations, businesses, and activists who are dedicated to combating human trafficking.This prestigious award ceremony, hosted by United Abolitionists, Inc. and UCF's Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, honors and recognizes the outstanding efforts and initiatives made in the fight against modern-day slavery and exploitation.This year's ceremony will be hosted at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management located at 9907 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL., on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The awards will be held in the Darden Auditorium, and the reception will be in the beautiful Rosen College Courtyard and the Disney Dining Room.Parking, food, and beverages are included in the ticket, including a Bourbon tasting during the reception.**All [nominations](https://hospitality.ucf.edu/htms/polaris-star-awards/ "https://hospitality.ucf.edu/htms/polaris-star-awards/") must be submitted by Monday, October 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m**Single Ticket (Student and Non-Profit) $25.Single Ticket (Corporate and Others) $55.Table for 10 $550 (limited).IMPORTANT:UCF Employees and Florida Tax Exempt Institutions, please register by sending an email to: [pauline.chang@ucf.edu](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/16th-annual-polaris-star-awards-tickets-1578834369099?aff=oddtdtcreator "mailto:pauline.chang@ucf.edu"). Non-UCF attendees seeking tax exemption will need to provide a copy of DR-14 Consumer's Certificate of Exemption. Do not register on Eventbrite.Refunds will only be processed if requests are received 10 days before the event date. Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/16th-annual-polaris-star-awards-tickets-1578834369099?aff=oddtdtcreator