By Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip
The Pennsylvania Convention Center announced that it has received its Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR reaccreditation, following a comprehensive evaluation process of its cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention protocols over the past year.
The annual GBAC STAR reaccreditation process focused on the Center’s program development, through a 
cycle of continuous evaluation and improvement, to ensure the facility remains effective at maintaining and delivering a program that supports a clean, safe and healthy environment for workers and guests.
“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority is proud to have earned the GBAC STAR reaccreditation. Receiving this reaffirms the Center’s commitment to the health, safety, and security of all who enter the facility,” said Gregory J. Fox, Esq. Chairman of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.
As an ASM Global managed facility, the Pennsylvania Convention Center developed its Reopening Operating Framework during the pandemic based on the principles and protocols included in ASM Global’s VenueShield program, a best-in-class program developed in partnership with leading professionals, industry experts, and public health officials in response to the pandemic. That framework, coupled with the Center’s investment in environmental hygiene technologies, led to the facility receiving the GBAC STAR reaccreditation.
In the past year, since receiving its initial accreditation, the Pennsylvania Convention Center continued with significant capital investments following the guidance from the CDC, public health officials and ASM Global’s VenueShield program. These included the installation of advanced air purification technology in 40 air handling units, more phases of touchless restroom renovations, the purchase of additional scrubber, vacuum and electrostatic sprayer equipment, and the implementation of enhanced sanitization and health and safety protocols. In addition, the Center implemented a vaccination policy for its workforce, requiring all staff to be fully vaccinated by October 1, 2021.
“As a state-of-the-art facility, we have gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of our guests and staff, while maintaining the highest levels of customer service in a hospitable environment,” said John J. McNichol, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. “By aligning the GBAC Star Accreditation Program with our facility’s procedures and protocols, we have been able to position ourselves as a strategic partner in the fight against COVID-19.”
“From an operations perspective, each of the Center’s departments consistently evaluates the protocols and procedures that are in place, against the 20 elements within the GBAC STAR accreditation, to enable us to achieve the highest possible standards for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in the industry,” said Kelvin D. Moore, Regional General Manager, ASM Global. “Our continued commitment to the health and safety of our guests has bolstered meeting planners’ confidence in our ability to safely host in-person events, facilitating a steady return of events to the facility.”
Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip is Senior Communications Manager for the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
