Cairns Convention Centre has once again achieved AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres) Quality Standards certification with the successful completion of their audit this month by the designated external auditor.
Having first achieved gold level certification in 2011, Cairns Convention Centre has now achieved re-certification at the Gold Level. The venue joins a group of 30 AIPC centres who have successfully maintained this international certification, with a number of additional centres in various stages of the certification process.
“The AIPC Quality Standards programme was developed as an industry-specific certification for confirming and documenting a centre’s accomplishments in key areas of convention centre performance, and is the only such specifically purposed form of certification in the industry,” said AIPC president Greg O’Dell.
The programme standards identified and audited address 10 key areas, including Customer Service, Quality of Facilities and Operations, Employee Relations, Health, Safety, Security and Emergency Response, Financial Integrity, Community Relations, Environmental Responsibility, Industry Relations, and Supplier Relations.
Members who complete the audit process report that it not only serves to document their procedures but also enables them to clarify any shortcomings for corrective action. The process is also seen as being an teambuilding exercise because it involves all management staff in a collaborative effort with a clear accomplishment at the end.
The External Auditor for the AIPC Quality Standards Certification programme is Rick Knowlan, president of Knowlan Consulting Group of North Vancouver, Canada, which specialises in strategic management consulting.
Prior to this appointment, he was the chief operating officer of Meritus Hotels & Resorts and the Asia-Pacific managing director for IFH Worldwide.
As a managing consultant at Advito (BCD Travel’s consulting practice), Paljor Lama drives engagement strategies to achieve programme compliance, cost savings and employee satisfaction.
Williams was previously responsible for asset management, sustainability and safety at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium and Dunedin Town Hall. During his tenure, these venues played host to some of New Zealand’s biggest events, including All Black rugby tests, FIFA World Cup games and major international concerts, as well as a wide range of conventions and meetings.
Williams also has a background in managing major infrastructure and large buildings for significant manufacturing businesses.