The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority’s meetings, conventions, tradeshows and sports events facilities have achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation. Under the guidance of GBAC, a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the RSCVA and its operating partner, ASM Global, have implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno Events Center (pictured above), National Bowling Stadium, and the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center.
“The GBAC STAR accreditation gives event planners the confidence they need to make the best-possible decision for their exhibitors and attendees,” explains RSCVA President and CEO Charles Harris (pictured right). “Earning this certification shows that the RSCVA and ASM Global are committed to providing a healthy environment to all of our customers, team members and stakeholders doing business throughout Reno Tahoe’s meetings and events facilities.”
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. The program verifies that the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (pictured right), Reno Events 
Center, National Bowling Stadium (pictured left), and the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center implement best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.
Major trade associations have endorsed GBAC STAR accreditation as a valuable indicator in responsible event planning procedures, including the International Association of Exhibitions and Events , the International Association of Venue Managers and the American Association of Airport Executives . To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, RSCVA and ASM Global Reno were required to demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures.
Reno Tahoe is a dynamic, four-season resort destination in a spectacular natural setting—where America’s largest alpine lake meets “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Here, genuine Western heritage and hospitality are served up alongside a region in the midst of an exciting transformation, offering travelers world-class attractions, outdoor adventure and an annual calendar of cultural, culinary and sporting events. Reno Tahoe is marketed by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, an organization established in 1959 to promote convention and tourism business in Washoe County, which includes Reno, Sparks and North Lake Tahoe. For more info, visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.
Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation program, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more info, visit www.gbac.org.
