Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square Receive GBAC STAR Accreditation

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Venues & Destinations
Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square Receive GBAC STAR Accreditation

11/20/2020
Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square announced today they are one of only thirty-one Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accredited convention center complexes in the world, achieving the highest health safety standard achievable for hotels and convention centers. GBAC STAR Accreditation designates Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square as highly prepared venues for outbreak prevention, response and recovery, with the ability to host onsite events.

A division of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), GBAC STAR™ is an industry accreditation that provides a third-party endorsement to ensure the implementation of rigorous protocols in response to biorisk situations. Pursued by more than 3,000 hotels, airports and convention centers across 80 countries, the properties, part of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), join the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia as the only other facility in the commonwealth to achieve the coveted GBAC STAR Accreditation.

“As an IAVM building, an organization recognized for its excellence in leadership and global connection in the industry, the Authority is pleased that the facility has earned such an industry leading certification,” said Kevin Molloy, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Convention Authority. “I am proud to say that the commitment to providing innovative safety for contractors, associates and attendees has been exceeded with this accreditation.”

As stated by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, among many other standards, this accreditation means that a facility has:

Established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
The proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease.
Highly informed cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.

“We are thrilled to announce our achievement of GBAC STAR Accreditation for the Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square,” stated Josh Nowak, Director of Sales and Marketing. “This accreditation demonstrates that we are equipped with the most rigorous safety procedures and that we’re prepared to welcome back in-person events safely. Being designated with this third-party accreditation signals to our business partners, guests, and employees that their safety comes first in Lancaster County."

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 and other potential threats. As part of the accreditation, in response to COVID-19 and in preparation to re-engage events under the GBAC STAR Accreditation, both properties have implemented 20 program elements designed to address both administrative and engineering procedures with specific guidance and criteria, including:

Training and education plans for prevention and protection, including detailed Personal Protective Equipment requirements for cleaning and disinfection activities as well as social distancing programs.
The development of an emergency response plan in the event of a mandated shut down or outbreak in the surrounding area.
The frequent re-evaluation of protocols and procedures against new national and local governmental guidelines and/or mandates and recommendations from leading health organization as our nation’s understanding of the pandemic continues to develop.

“Receiving this accreditation so quickly speaks volumes about our team’s dedication to our community. We’re proud to have created a safe environment that positions us competitively amidst the recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic and puts us on a global stage as one of the safest venues,” Nowak continued.

The Lancaster County Convention Center is a favorite destination for meeting and events planners thanks to its location in the heart of downtown Lancaster on historic Penn Square, creating the opportunity for guests to enjoy authentic culture in a vibrant, historic city and big-city amenities that can be savored at a small town pace. With 90,000-square-feet of adaptable space, 4,400 accessible parking spots, and 60 places to eat or drink within three blocks, guests of the Lancaster County Convention Centers’ events have enough space to congregate responsibly while social distancing.

Additionally, Lancaster is located within a short drive or train ride to major metropolitan areas including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Princeton. The Lancaster County Convention Center is located within close proximity to countless bed and breakfasts, farmstead accommodations, and more than 200 hotels in the greater Lancaster area including the newly renovated and expanded Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, which is located adjacent to the convention center and features multiple, all-season outdoor dining and social spaces.

A comprehensive action plan about Lancaster County Convention Center’s updates and protocols can be found at www.lancasterconventioncenter.com.

ABOUT LANCASTER COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
Located in the heart of downtown Lancaster on historic Penn Square, the Lancaster County Convention Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds—a place where authentic culture thrives amid a vibrant city scene. Enjoy big-city amenities that can be savored at a small-town pace. Explore our sophisticated, and expansive meeting spaces that have been incorporated into the stunning historic setting of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. www.lancasterconventioncenter.com

ABOUT LANCASTER MARRIOTT AT PENN SQUARE
Located in the heart of downtown Lancaster, Pa., Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square offers a one-of-a-kind guest experience where historical charm meets modern sophistication. With a $39.4 million renovation and expansion project completed in 2019, Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square boasts more than 400 spacious guest rooms featuring a sleek design and advanced amenities, three premier dining options headlined by Chef Ryan McQuillan, and a signature Marriott M Club Lounge. Attached to the Lancaster Convention Center, the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square offers expansive spaces fit for corporate meetings and conventions within a unique business and leisure destination. Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square is located a short walk away from many of Lancaster City’s most sought-after historic sites, top-rated restaurants, and art-driven streets, including but not limited to the oldest working famers’ market Central Market, the Fulton Theatre, and Gallery Row. For more information, visit MarriottLancaster.com.

ABOUT GBAC, A DIVISION OF ISSA
Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response, and recovery, the Global Biorisk 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 biorisk 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.

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