Calgary’s largest convention venues receive industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™
Joint media release: Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary Stampede and Tourism Calgary
Oct. 7, 20202 - Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) and BMO Centre at Stampede Park (BMO Centre) are proud to announce both venues in what is soon-to-be Western Canada’s largest convention destination, have achieved the Global Biorisk Advisory Council ® (GBAC) STAR™. Under the guidance of GBAC, the venues join an exclusive group of international leaders who have implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in their facilities.
GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program verifies that CTCC and BMO Centre have implemented best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics like COVID-19.
“We want to ensure clients are comfortable and safe hosting events in our venues and for that, we need to meet the highest standards of cleaning and disinfection,” says Kurby Court, President and CEO of CTCC. “Achieving this globally recognized industry certification is something to be proud of and the fact that two venues in our city are now accredited confirms Calgary’s commitment to be a safe destination to meet in.”
“From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked diligently to collaborate and adapt to this new environment in order to address the increased safety precautions required for live events to return,” says Greg Newton, General Manager, BMO Centre. “Achieving GBAC accreditation is a key part of our commitment to the safety and comfort of our clients and guests, as well as getting members of our community back to work and our economy engaged.”
“Having Calgary’s two largest hosting venues accredited in the highest-level of cleanliness and prevention demonstrates how diligently our destination is working to provide safety and comfort for visitors and Calgarians,” says Cindy Ady, CEO, Tourism Calgary. “The collaboration amongst partners and venues helps to ensure consistent protocols and experiences through our city, which we know is very important to both meeting and event planners and event attendees. We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience these enhancements.”
A safe return to meetings and events is a key factor in Calgary’s economic recovery and the standards the GBAC STAR™ accreditation require health and safety to be the top priority.
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About Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre is focused on enhancing the services that we provide well beyond the venue—to create a place and experience that supports all events for people to convene, connect and converse together. What started as a central location for gathering has grown into a next generation of convention services and experiences.
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede and BMO Centre at Stampede Park host more than 1,200 business, tourism, sporting, hospitality and community events every year, welcoming more than four million guests from every corner of the world. Together, these events generate over $540M annually for our community, in local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Exemplifying the theme, We’re Greatest Together, the Calgary Stampede is a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
About Tourism Calgary
Tourism Calgary is the official destination marketing and development organization for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice for leisure travellers. With a vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally and internationally and advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors and events and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable, memorable experiences. Calgary’s tourism industry contributes approximately $2.5 billion in visitor spending by over 7 million visitors annually.