Pennsylvania Convention Center Receives Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR Accreditation as One of Only Thirty-One Convention Centers Across the Globe

The Center Becomes the First Facility in Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Pennsylvania and the Tri-State Region and Only the Third Convention Center in the Northeastern United States to Receive the Accreditation

Philadelphia, PA – The Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) announced today that it received the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation on outbreak prevention, response and recovery. Recognized as the gold standard of safe venues, the PCC is one of the largest venues in the northeast to receive the GBAC STAR™ accreditation.

GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation identified the Pennsylvania Convention Center as a showcase example of commitment to ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment for its employees, customers, and stakeholders. This accomplishment also demonstrates the Center’s leadership in transforming the cleaning industry into an essential part of any business. 

“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority is proud to join the list of meeting and events facilities that have received the GBAC STAR accreditation. The health, safety, and security of all who enter the Pennsylvania Convention Center is our top priority,” said Greg Fox, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.

As a division of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), GBAC STAR™ is an industry accreditation that provides third-party validation to ensure the implementation of rigorous protocols in response to bio-risk situations. Focused on ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment, the program establishes requirements to assist venues by providing best practices, protocols and procedures to control risks associated with the COVID-19 virus.

“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for bio-risk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”  

As an important element of the PCC’s re-activation plan, the Center completed the twenty program elements according to specific performance and guidance criteria. The PCC’s comprehensive program includes:

• An established cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program that is maintained to control and/or minimize risk associated with infectious agents for employees, guests, the community and the environment.

•  Assurance and establish confidence that proper cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention work practices are in place and implemented.

• A framework for communication and raising awareness of best practices as they relate to cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention.

"By deploying strict cleaning, disinfection and staff-training protocols, we set the stage for a healthy return to live events and continuing our commitment to excellence in venue management,” said John J. McNichol, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. “The GBAC STAR accreditation further strengthens our re-activation efforts, and we are pleased to be among the facilities to receive the accreditation. It is a true credit to the team who worked so hard to create a professionally prepared submission that lead to a swift and favorable accreditation.”

The GBAC accreditation is part of the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s overall re-activation operating framework that will be release in the coming weeks.

For the latest news about the Pennsylvania Convention Center, visit paconvention.com.

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About GBAC, a Division of ISSA

Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response, and recovery, the Global Bio-risk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance, and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address, and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include bio-risk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation program, training and certification of individuals, and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.

About ISSA

With more than 9,300 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982- 0800.

About the Pennsylvania Convention Center

The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in Center City Philadelphia at the heart of the city's many cultural offerings and world-class dining and entertainment scene. Now managed by ASM Global, the Center is the 14th largest facility in the nation and features the largest exhibit space and ballroom in the Northeastern U.S. For more information, visit www.paconvention.com.

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage, and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues connect people through the unique power of live experiences. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.