By R.V. Baugus and ISSA
From Los Angeles to New Orleans, several convention centers and lodging facilities across the United States have recently secured GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. By providing third-party validation, GBAC STAR’s 20-step, performance-based program helps facilities of all sizes establish and maintain an effective system of cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention.
Recently accredited facilities include:
Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles
Malibu Beach Inn Hotel & Spa in Malibu, Calif.
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans
Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan.
Palm Beach County Convention Center in Palm Beach, Fla.
Peak 8 Properties in Breckenridge, Colo.
San Diego Convention Center in San Diego
STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
The Westin Galleria Dallas in Dallas
As you can see, many of the venues above represent IAVM members, who shared what gaining the accreditation means to their venues as well as the industry.
“The health and safety of our guests and employees is our top priority, and we recognize the important role that cleaning plays in reducing the risk of contamination and transmission,” said Brett C. Mitchell, CVE, General Manager, Overland Park Convention Center. “The GBAC STAR program has helped us clearly outline and implement a plan for prevention, response, and recovery that will create a safer space for everyone that walks through our doors.”
“Our San Diego Convention Center team continues to demonstrate leadership in the industry, said Karen Totaro, CVE, Chief Operating Officer. “Our center was one of only six convention centers nationwide that GBAC invited to participate in a task force to develop industry-specific considerations and protocol templates for extending
their esteemed accreditation program to our sector.”
“We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees, guests and attendees at the Orange County Convention Center,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “By incorporating some of the most stringent protocols of the GBAC STAR program into our recovery and resiliency plan, we continue to work hard to recover from this public health crisis.”
“We know that when the time is right for our guests, athletes, artists, and our team members to experience the incredible energy within STAPLES Center again that our GBAC STAR accreditation demonstrates that we are taking the proper precautions to protect everyone once it is safe to host events again,” said Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “We are honored to be one of the first GBAC STAR accredited arenas leading the way in maintaining cleanliness and continuing to make the safety of everyone our number one priority.”
“At the outbreak of the pandemic, we recognized that our clients and their attendees will expect first-in-class protocols to be in place when they return, and we have been working earnestly to help lead the industry in establishing and implementing new health and safety protocols,” said Michael J. Sawaya, President of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “In addition to achieving the GBAC STARTM accreditation, we engaged an industrial hygienist team of experts, which includes multiple former high-ranking government health and safety officials, to provide additional confidence to both our internal and external customers that we have gone above and beyond.”
“This is an important step in the eventual, safe and responsible reopening of the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Tom Morton, executive director of Convention, Sports & Entertainment for the city of Anaheim. “Event organizers and attendees can have confidence that our facility meets the highest standards of cleaning, disinfection and prevention. This accreditation is one part of a larger, comprehensive plan that will guide the Anaheim Convention Center in safely resuming meetings, conferences and conventions when the time is right.”
Palm Beach County Convention Center and The Westin Galleria Dallas pursued their accreditation through their respective destinations’ (Discover the Palm Beaches and Visit Dallas) support of GBAC STAR. Discover the Palm Beaches has committed to pursuing GBAC STAR for a wide range of its hospitality businesses in Palm Beach County, Fla. Visit Dallas has teamed up with the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District to implement and fund the GBAC STAR accreditation effort for its member hotels, plus select city-owned venues.
In addition to these newly accredited facilities, American Airlines announced its commitment to achieving GBAC STAR accreditation, making it the first airline to commit to the program. By the end of 2020, American Airlines expects to receive full accreditation for its entire fleet and lounges.
“We’re excited to see so many organizations commit and follow through to earn GBAC STAR accreditation,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “Whether it’s an airplane, hotel property, expansive event space, or a local foodservice establishment, GBAC STAR provides the necessary knowledge, tools and resources to meet the new standard of cleanliness and limit future outbreaks.”
As the industry’s only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s preparedness for biorisk situations. More than 2,400 facilities around the globe have committed to earning GBAC STAR accreditation, and 14 have so far achieved accreditation.
“Our growing list of accredited facilities range in size and span across multiple industries but all share the same dedication to keeping staff, customers, and the public safe,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “With GBAC STAR, these organizations send a clear message that they’re prepared to respond, recover, and—most importantly—prevent outbreaks from occurring within their spaces.”
To review a full list of GBAC STAR accredited facilities, committed facilities, and industry supporters, click here.
To apply for GBAC STAR facility accreditation, visit www.gbac.org.
