You've likely noticed more and more convention centers touting their Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR Facility Accreditation. But what is the GBAC, and why is its stamp of approval important – or is it? Historically, cleaning in trade show venues has focused more on the appearance of cleanliness. Does the exhibit hall look presentable? Do the bathrooms smell fresh? And attendees and exhibitors weren't particularly concerned about the details. COVID-19 has dramatically changed all that. For one thing, trade show organizers, exhibitors, and attendees all want assurances that convention centers, hotels, and restaurants are doing their absolute best to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus. To that end, facilities are looking to alleviate the concerns of their users and convince them they are implementing best practices against this new threat. That's where GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation comes in. Here's a short primer on what GBAC is and what the designation means.




What is GBAC?
GBAC is a division of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). The council is designed to help organizations and businesses prepare for, respond to, and recover from biological threats, biohazard situations, and real-time crises. Its team consists of infectious-disease experts who have years of experience developing quality-management systems.

Why is GBAC so prevalent now?
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for hygienic practices, i.e., cleaning methods that kill the virus and policies that create healthy spaces for people to come together. Based on GBAC's expertise and experience, it is in a unique position to help facilities implement science-based protocols and safely reopen.

What is the GBAC STAR accreditation?
The stamp of approval indicates that a facility has 1) established a cleaning, disinfection, and prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents such as the coronavirus; 2) developed the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and practices needed to combat biohazards and infectious diseases; and 3) secured informed cleaning professionals trained for disease preparation, mitigation, and response.

What types of facilities can get accredited?
GBAC works with businesses and organizations in a variety of sectors, including everything from convention centers, hotels, and office buildings to restaurants, spas, and stadiums.

How does a facility become accredited?
Businesses and facilities work with GBAC experts to develop a comprehensive 20-point plan demonstrating that they have a system in place for disinfecting spaces, preventing spread, and responding to and recovering from an outbreak. The accreditation process includes conducting a risk assessment and establishing risk-mitigation strategies, developing standard operating procedures, ensuring personnel training and competency, etc. Experts at GBAC work with venues to ensure they are implementing the cleaning industry's best practices and using products approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). GBAC also helps businesses and organizations identify where potential chains of infection can take place in their particular environments and works with them to develop methods to stop and/or disrupt the point of impact.

Will all accredited venues follow the same procedures?
No. GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation is not a one-size-fits-all program. That's because each venue is unique and will have its own set of assets and liabilities. For instance, disinfecting hotel rooms requires different practices than disinfecting an exhibit hall. Even among convention centers, things will differ. For example, filtration systems vary from venue to venue, and some halls are carpeted while others aren't. Addressing each need requires a unique approach. Plus, as the saying goes, there's more than one way to skin a cat. Take escalators, for example. One venue might dedicate staffers to constantly wipe down the handrails while another might attach automatic sterilizers to do the job. So GBAC helps each venue tailor its system-management plan to fit its unique characteristics.

Does GBAC update facilities when new products and methods are developed?
GBAC regularly distributes information to its accredited facilities to keep them up to date on the latest science, products, and methods so that they can adjust their mitigation plans accordingly. The council is also preparing to launch an educational forum where venues can quickly find information to help them address needs that crop up. Plus, in order to maintain accreditation, venues must conduct an annual audit to ensure they are in full compliance with their plans and the latest recommendations.

How can I find out if a facility has GBAC STAR accreditation?
Individuals can consult the GBAC STAR Facility Directory (www.gbac.org/directory), a searchable tool with a comprehensive listing of accredited venues as well as facilities that are committed to earning accreditation. More than 65 convention centers in the United States have earned their accreditation with more currently working through the process.