(SARS-CoV-2). McCormick Place has also demonstrated that it has the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices in place to combat biohazards and infectious disease. In addition, McCormick Place has highly skilled cleaning professionals who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response. GBAC STAR ACCREDITATION ™ McCormick Place was one of the first convention centers in the country to receive GBAC STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for outbreak prevention. The Global Biorisk Advisory Council accredited the facility in August 2020. Receiving this accreditation means that McCormick Place has established and maintained a cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention program to minimize risks associated with infectious agents like the novel coronavirus REOPENING RESPONSIBLY To ensure the highest possible air quality, McCormick Place’s team of building engineers regularly verifies compliance within McCormick Place and the Wintrust Arena with ASHRAE standards, including increased frequency of filter replacement. The engineering team also works with Hyatt and Marriott personnel to maintain consistent standards across McCormick Square. CONVENTION FACILITIES McCormick Place’s number one priority is the health and safety of its employees and guests. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, campus leadership has worked closely with public health officials and followed all guidance regarding meetings and events. We are actively implementing and updating our practices in accordance with federal, state, and local government recommendations. In preparation for reopening, McCormick Place has examined all of the buildings on campus and begun implementing changes to enhance public health. This includes adding new technology, such as increasing the number of touch-free, automatic doors. There is new signage and procedures for safely entering and exiting elevators and escalators. And seating in common spaces has been rearranged to allow for social distancing. CLEANING OF COMMON AREAS There will be increased cleaning of common areas and restrooms. High-touch areas such as doors, escalator rails, elevator buttons, and elevator interiors will be cleaned regularly and, depending upon the number of guests present in the facility, more frequently than under pre-COVID-19 conditions. All cleaning and disinfecting will be performed according to CDC guidelines, with materials approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for use in public areas. This includes technology such as ozone or hydroxyl generators, electrostatic mist cleaning, and foggers. HOTEL OPERATING STANDARDS As global brands, the two McCormick campus hotels are operating according to standards established by Marriott International and the Hyatt Corporation. Both hotels are pursuing GBAC STAR facility accreditation in an effort to further guarantee a consistently safe experience across the campus. There are updated check-in and check-out procedures at each hotel to minimize unnecessary contact, such as touchless payment and the installation of clear panels at the front desks. The hotel fitness centers also have new disinfecting procedures, as well as occupancy limits. Each hotel has invested in air purifiers and UV lighting, as well as ensuring that all employees have undergone proper training and are equipped with personal protective equipment. Learn more about McCormick Place’s ongoing health and safety measures at mccormickplace.com/coronavirus . ABEL ARCINIEGA Explore the nation’s largest convention center with the new 360-degree McCormick Place virtual tour at choosechicago.com/uploads/mp360 . 29
Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide 2021: Page 29
