As they walk into venues and sling on their badges, for many attendees today COVID is no longer top-of-mind. Yet when it comes to public health concerns, the pandemic still has left a mark. In a word, it’s about expectations. More than ever, attendees now expect event professionals to scout locations carefully and weave in protocols related to health and hygiene end-to-end. As Claire Smith, vice-president of sales and marketing with the Vancouver Convention Centre, says, “I’m not hearing a ton of post- pandemic discussion anymore, it’s quite interesting. So when we talk about things like cleanliness, health and safety, fresh air, they’ve almost transcended a pandemic reference. But we are all different people and our values have changed and those are now more intrinsic values.” Yet, even as we put more focus on “healthy” venues and meetings, there’s a question here. In a practical sense, how do you go about selecting a venue that meets your group’s raised expectations? We asked Smith and also Kevin Jones, a board member with Create & INSPIRE FACILITY CHECK-UP How can you ensure prospective event venues are doing their best to keep attendees healthy? by Connie Jeske Crane the Event Safety Alliance Canada, for advice on vetting venues from a public health standpoint. Here are some key considerations they shared: 1 WHAT IS YOUR CLEANING PROCESS? Above all, Smith says attendees have become more aware of venue cleanliness. When considering a space, she says, “It’s important to ask those questions. You know, when is cleaning being done? How often is it being done? And will it be done throughout the duration of my events? And so it's really understanding what those levels of cleanliness are.” 2 TELL ME ABOUT YOU AIR EXCHANGE/HVAC SYSTEMS After cleaning, air quality is another issue the pandemic has highlighted. When vetting venues, Jones suggests asking some key questions. “Without getting overly technical, it’s ‘Do you have air scrubbers? Do you Create & INSPIRE Certifications are another aspect that can help you evaluate venues. Here are some resources to get you started: LEED certification: cagbc.org/learn/leed-credentials National Air Filtration Association (NAFA): nafahq.org Healthy Venues: healthyvenues.org have air exchangers? Are you moving air through your venue in your space at an appropriate exchange rate?’” Additionally, he suggests asking “Are there any recorded issues with your [HVAC] system that we should be aware of?” 3 IS THERE ACCESS TO OUTDOOR SPACE? Along with good air circulation indoors, Smith says attendees value spaces with “access to go outside to get a bit of fresh air. And some natural light really helps as well, so they can continue to feel productive, but also have that little refreshing break between sessions.” 4 WHAT IS YOUR EMPLOYEE SICK LEAVE POLICY? The pandemic only underlined the importance here. As Jones notes, “There’s more of an inclination now to accept, ‘Hey, you’re sick, why don’t you go home?’” As part of vetting, he suggests asking about a facility’s health screening process and the protocol for sick employees. → Winter 2023 | Ignitemag.ca | 39
