The Visalia Convention Center has committed to achieving the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities.
Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) the worldwide cleaning industry association, the Convention Center will implement the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention.
“While we have strict health and cleanliness protocols in place, pursuing this GBAC STAR accreditation is the next step in assuring our customers and community stakeholders that we have proven systems in place to maintain a clean and healthy environment and our commitment to reopen responsibly,” said Shelley Albanese, Visalia Convention Center General Manager. “Once completed we will receive third-party validation that we are following strict protocols for biorisk situations, demonstrating our preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”
“As meeting planners look to drive market destinations to host future conventions, our city is ramping up. We continue to work hard to safely reintroduce meetings and conventions,” said Nellie Freeborn, Executive Director, Visit Visalia. “Our team along with the convention center are not only ready for the day we are able to safely welcome back meeting attendees by taking proactive steps like securing the GBAC STAR, we are also preparing for future years by continuing to sell and book events in our city as far out as 2028.”
As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. Once completed, the program will verify that the Visalia Convention Center implements best practices, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness, to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.