IAEE Teams Up With ISSA to Provide GBAC-Trained Technician Certification

August 20, 2020

To help exhibitions and events professionals return to the face-to-face business environment safely and effectively, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events has partnered with global cleaning industry association ISSA on a Global Biorisk Advisory Council technician training course. Designed to teach participants how to prepare for, respond to and recover from biohazards in the workplace, the GBAC Fundamentals Online Course: Cleaning & Disinfection Principles teaches the principles behind infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease outbreak situations such as COVID-19. 

Running 2-3 hours, the course covers the following topics: 

  • Preventative, response, infection control and contamination control measures to known or potential infectious disease outbreak situations, including emphasis on the novel coronavirus
  • Importance of proper cleaning and disinfection for health
  • GBAC protocol for response and remediation
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), tools and equipment
  • Cleaners and disinfectants based on the EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogens Guidance in the U.S.
  • How international professionals can find information specific to their own countries

After successfully completing the course within 30 days, participants will receive a certificate of completion from GBAC, after which they can use the term “GBAC-Trained Technician” to distinguish themselves professionally. 

“IAEE is deeply committed to helping show organizers, exhibitors and attendees feel safe at the in-person exhibitions and events that are so essential to the global marketplace,” said IAEE president and CEO David DuBois. “Partnerships such as this allow us to fulfill our objectives in developing tools and resources for members of the industry to confidently manage the obstacles we are currently facing.”

The GBAC Fundamentals Online Course is offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese and Polish. Through the IAEE Referral Program, the cost for both IAEE members and non-members is $150. To learn more and enroll, go here.

Another Industry Safety Partnership

The GBAC certification course comes as some event companies are partnering with health and safety consultants to help clients prepare to restart their events. For example, The Expo Group recently partnered with public health expert Lauren Sauer to assist event organizers with the decision-making process surrounding the health and safety of face-to-face gatherings.

As the director of operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response and assistant professor of emergency medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Sauer has been working in the field of disaster and public health emergency research and response for almost two decades.

According to The Expo Group officials, Sauer’s research focus and understanding of public health protocols, decision-making around risk mitigation and interpretation of scientific guidelines make her an ideal resource as organizations seek to bring people together smartly and safely. 

“The need for a strong, science-backed understanding of the public health issues surrounding gatherings led us to provide this resource to our clients,” said Randy Pekowski, president and COO of The Expo Group. “Guidelines are not beneficial without a real understanding of the latest medical findings and risk mitigation.”

 

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact