Kentucky Venues Commits to GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation Program

GBAC helps facilities establish a comprehensive system of cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention for their staff and their building. This third-party certification and training helps venues prepare work practices, understand correct disinfection techniques and best cleaning practices for a biohazard situation like the Covid-19. “The health and safety of our guests, clients and employees is of the highest priority. As events resume, we want to exceed industry standards in sanitation and cleanliness,” said President and CEO of Kentucky Venues David Beck. “It’s not enough to do the minimum, but to continue to push ourselves to be the best in everything, including preparedness and sanitation.” GBAC STAR is the gold standard of prepared facilities. Accreditation certifies that the facility has the following:

• Established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like the novel coronavirus (COVID-19);
• The proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease; and
• Highly skilled cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.

“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, Kentucky Venues will receive third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.” Louisville Tourism, a close partner of both properties, provided strong assistance and support in making the GBAC application achievable for the Kentucky Exposition Center and Kentucky International Convention Center. “This is the industry standard to achieve. Our customers will have confidence in this destination-wide initiative knowing Louisville puts a priority on the safety of our visitors from their point of entry, to their hotel, when visiting attractions and things in between,” said Doug Bennett, Senior Vice President of Convention Development for Louisville Tourism. “By partnering with this national accreditation, Louisville venues will have expert advice and a designated specialist advising our destination,” he said. For more information on Kentucky Venues, visit www.kyvenues.com.