JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson is pleased to announce a virtual Mississippi Businesses Against Trafficking (MBAT) Summit to be held on Tuesday, April 9 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

In collaboration with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), this virtual event will feature leading experts on the crime of labor trafficking. 

"Our goal is to not only educate Mississippians on the crime of human trafficking, but to help Mississippi businesses protect themselves from unknowingly violating wage and labor laws. We encourage all business owners to attend," said Secretary Michael Watson.

The MBAT Summit is open to all MBAT partners, businesses, and those interested in learning more about human trafficking in Mississippi. Attendees must register prior to the event. 

MBAT is a statewide initiative to raise awareness and empower Mississippi businesses to combat human trafficking. It is open to any business, nonprofit organization, or association in the State of Mississippi interested in promoting human trafficking awareness both internally and externally. 

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
• Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Registration Link (registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7)

For questions regarding the MBAT Summit, please contact sos.mbat@sos.ms.gov or call 601-359-3670. To learn more about MBAT, visit sos.ms.gov/mbat.