After obtaining the “Sanitary Security Label” and “Ecovid Label” issued by SOCOTEC, in February 2021, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes was awarded North America’s top health certification for public hospitality facilities: GBAC STAR Facility. Awarded by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council*, this certification attests the implementation of the strictest protocols in terms of cleaning, disinfection and prevention of infectious diseases within the establishment. Already issued to the largest convention centres in the United States, this certification has for the first time been awarded to a convention centre in France. The Palais once again proves its commitment to hosting international events with the utmost respect for health protocols.
"We need to reconcile economy and health reliability to relaunch our activity as quickly as possible in a sustainable manner. The know-how of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès has been recognised for the professionalism of its teams for decades right around the world. It has since overcome many challenges by constantly adapting to changes in our world. In parallel, the City of Cannes has been doing everything possible since the start of the epidemic to protect the public and secure economic activity. A flagship of event activity in France, it contributes to the country's influence abroad, and resuming its activity is essential to the survival of the economic fabric of our region and beyond. We’re ready to welcome the world as we always have, in complete health security."
David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes
With its experience in hosting events come what may, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès has proved, since September 2020, that it’s possible to reconcile economic activity and public health protection.
Today, it’s taking its health security systems up a notch with GBAC STAR™ Facility, which offers unique accreditation within the cleaning industry in terms of prevention, intervention and refurbishment of its equipment in the event of epidemics.
Following a thorough review of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès facilities, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council validated the twenty key elements of the GBAC STAR™ Facility programme. This includes standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies, personal protective equipment, as well as emergency preparedness and response measures.
By obtaining this international health benchmark, the Palais des Festivals joins the largest convention centres in the United States: Javis Center New York, McCormick Place Chicago, Los Angeles Convention Center, Miami Beach Convention Center, Walter E. Washington Convention, Austin Convention Center, Baltimore Convention Center, Anaheim Convention Center, Atlantic City Convention Center…
GBAC STAR™ Facility accreditation today is an essential health reassurance factor for international “MICE” customers, and in particular North Americans, who are so important to Cannes (in particular during major events: Cannes Film Festival, MIPIM, Cannes Lions , TFWA, MIPCOM, etc.).
About the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes
Based on the proactive quality and sustainable development policy at the heart of its operations, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the first European centre to achieve quadruple certification - ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHS 18001, ISO 26000 - is continuing its responsible commitment by adapting all spaces in accordance with health security rules.
In 2019, it continued its eco-responsible dynamic by committing to the "Responsible International Destinations" programme, aiming for ISO 20121 certification.
In July 2020, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes obtained the “COVID19 BUSINESS READY” label and “Ecovid Label” - environmental bonus for managing the risk of Covid-19 - allowing the health security risk of exposure to be assessed, issued by the SOCOTEC group.
Find out more here about the certifications obtained by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
About GBAC, a Division of ISSA
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 information, visit www.gbac.org.
About ISSA
With more than 9,300 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com.
Press Contact Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes :
Blandine Dugenetay – Phone : 04 92 99 84 45 – dugenetay@palaisddesfestivals.com