Community is at the Heart of TAP

As a collaborative community of travel professionals, we believe that investing in people and places leads to stronger, more resilient communities. And when communities thrive, so does the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. 

At TAP, giving back isn’t limited to one event or campaign—it’s woven into everything we do. Our member network actively engages in efforts that uplift and support the places where we live, work, and travel.

TAP Gives Back logo_RGB

Making an Impact, City by City

Through TAP Gives Back, we channel our collective energy into making meaningful, place-based impact—especially in the cities that host our annual TAP Dance travel conference.

Each year, TAP Gives Back supports a locally based nonprofit that strengthens the host community. Since its inception, TAP Gives Back has raised more than $139,110 for organizations that serve with heart and purpose.

Recent Host City recipients include:

  • Branson, MO – Gift of Hope
    Funding supported the Backpack Club, which partners with school staff to identify children facing hunger and provide them with weekend meals.
  • Rochester, NY – Camp Puzzle Peace
    Camp Puzzle Peace offers an inclusive Adirondack retreat for families of children on the autism spectrum, creating space for rest, connection, and acceptance.
  • Southern Indiana – Liberty Place 
    In honor of late TAP Partner and veteran David Burns, TAP supported Liberty Place’s transitional housing program for veterans experiencing homelessness and substance use or mental health challenges.
  • Myrtle Beach, SC – Champion Autism Network (CAN)
    TAP supported CAN’s mission to build inclusive communities by connecting businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in support of those on the autism spectrum.

Local Engagement Beyond the Conference

Giving Locally: Supporting Rochester Families

For several years, TAP has partnered with the Small Business Council of Rochester to provide Thanksgiving food boxes for local families in need. Each year, our team donates enough food and funds to fill one box for every year TAP has been in business. 

Empowering Future Professionals

TAP loves investing in the future by helping students obtain meaningful, career-shaping opportunities. In addition to its long-standing college internship program, TAP regularly contributes to student scholarships and supports The Pitch program, a student case-study competition run by the Public Relations Society of America, Rochester chapter.  

TAP loves collaborating with higher education institutions having completed several semester-long projects with classes at the State University of New York at Brockport, St. John Fisher University and Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. With TAP serving as mentors, these partnerships transform theoretical coursework into practical application as students conduct original research, create inspired content, and execute full PR campaigns for real-world clients.

Year-Round Community Engagement

TAP’s commitment to giving back extends far beyond our annual initiatives. Our team members actively contribute their time, talents, and leadership year-round—making a lasting impact in the communities they call home. 

Here are just a few of the ways our team gives back: 

  • Serving on professional and nonprofit boards and actively engaging on committees and through pro bono projects. 
  • Participating in a Community Reading Program at Anna Murray Douglass Academy in Rochester, NY—an inspiring Pride Month event that shared LGBTQ+ stories and promoted empathy, inclusion, and open dialogue with students 
  • Supporting local theater, contributing through acting and directing to foster creativity and community connection 
  • Teaching horseback riding to children, building confidence, responsibility, and meaningful connection with animals