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Growing numbers of hotel conference centers look for IACC membership
Increasing numbers of hotels are adding conference facilities designed to adhere to the strict requirements for membership in the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).
Among them is the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa near Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which has applied for IACC membership following a $100 million renovation carried out according to the organization’s standards, reported Meetings West.
“It seeks to join a small but growing number of hotels operated under major brands that offer IACC-sanctioned conference facilities,” it said.
The IACC has 304 member properties worldwide, including 214 in North America. They range from day centers and university facilities to resorts.
Conference centers, according to IACC, differ from other hospitality venues in that they are purpose-built to maximize the productivity of meetings of between 25 and 75 people. IACC’s list of membership criteria includes rules covering acoustics, lighting, furnishings, and equipment.
While a growing number of hotels are adding such amenities as ergonomic chairs to their meeting rooms, these steps are only part of what it takes to become an IACC member, according to Tom Bolman, executive vice president of the St. Louis-based organization.
“The physical part is easy. Hotels add components like furnishings, but it’s the operations part that they don’t get right,” he said.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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