IACC periodically reviews the following Universal Membership Criteria to ensure that they reflect the current best practices of the conference center industry. Contact the IACC office at (314) 993-8575 or by e-mail with questions or for updated information. All active members of the
Independent Association of Conferences & Conventions must meet these criteria.
Want to learn whether your facility measures up? Fill out IACC's Quality Assurance Checklist.
Priority of Business
1. A minimum of 60% (based on net area) of meeting space in the conference center is dedicated, single-purpose conference space.
2. Dedicated conference rooms are separated from living and leisure areas.
3. Dedicated conference rooms available to clients on a 24-hour basis for storage of materials.
4. ADDED SEPTEMBER 14, 2000!
The name of an ancillary conference center (where the conference center approved by IACC is part of a larger hospitality complex, resort or convention hotel) readily identifies the conference center and clearly differentiates the conference center from the remainder of the complex (e.g., the Conference Center at Raintree, not the Raintree Hotel & Conference Center).
5. ADDED JANUARY 22, 2004!
The ancillary conference center has at least one public entrance with a door that clearly separates it from the remainder of the facility. Each public entrance has signage that displays the distinct name of the conference center.
6. A minimum of 60% of total revenue from guest rooms, meeting space, food & beverage, conference technology (A/V) and conference services is conference related. (If conference center is non-residential or ancillary to a resort or convention hotel, 70% of total sales of the conference center is generated from conferences).
7. Conference center offers and actively promotes a package plan which includes conference rooms, guest rooms, three meals, continuous refreshment service, conference services and basic conference technology. (Non-residential package includes conference rooms, lunch, continuous refreshment service, conference services and basic conference technology.)
8. Average group size -- 75 people or less.
Conference Room Design
9. UPDATED JANUARY 17, 2002!
Conference center has sufficient inventory so that no less than 60% of all meeting space can be set up using ergonomically designed chairs that have arms and that swivel and tilt synchronously and that allow height adjustment. Chairs shall have a rounded or waterfall edge on the front of the seat pan. Chairs shall have a minimum width of 18 inches; a depth of 16-17 inches for chairs with non-adjustable seat pans; and seat height within the range of 15 1/2 to 20 1/2 inches. The seat and inside back of the chair shall be fully upholstered or constructed of Pellicle(r) or like material. The arms and outside back of the chair may be fully upholstered or constructed of ABS molded plastic, Pellicle(r) or Pellicle-like material. The base of the chair shall be of five-prong design with casters.
10. UPDATED JANUARY 17, 2002!
Conference center has sufficient inventory so that no less than 60% of all meeting space can be set up using tables that are at least 24 inches wide and that have a non-reflective, hard writing surface with a high-pressure laminate or hardwood veneer finish. Tables shall be of sufficient length to allow at least 30 inches of space per occupant. The edge of the table shall be comprised of a high-pressure laminate finish or a decorative edge banding material that is constructed of vinyl or wood products. Tables shall have a reverse "T" style leg mechanism or its equivalent with offset legs that are permanently affixed or that fold, and that do not impinge upon the tables' occupants. (Draped, skirted banquet tables are not acceptable.)
11. Controllable level of lighting (50-70 foot candles at tabletop).
12. Climate-controlled conference rooms; conference rooms built after 1993 should have individual climate controls.
13. Dedicated conference rooms have wall surfaces suitable for tacking or other display of flip chart-type sheets.
14. UPDATED JUNE 19, 2003!
Acoustical rating for sound transmission through all walls of dedicated conference rooms meets or exceeds 50-60 NIC (Noise Isolation Class) for all fixed walls and 45-50 NIC for all operable walls.
15. Ambient sound levels within all dedicated conference rooms range from 25-35 NC (Background Noise Criteria) or less, and Reverberation Time (RT) falls between 0.8 and 1.2 seconds at mid-frequencies.
16. Amplified sound is available for all dedicated conference rooms over 1000 square feet.
17. UPDATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2003!
Each dedicated conference room has one in-room telephone outlet, simultaneous Internet connectivity and adequate electrical outlets throughout the room.
18. Dedicated conference rooms have unobstructed interior views.
Conference and Business Services
19. Conference center staff includes skilled conference planners who are thoroughly proficient in providing effective meeting room setups, menu and special event planning, conference technology (A/V) equipment and services, and other special needs of the client.
20. If conference center is ancillary to a resort or convention hotel, it must have a separate, dedicated conference services department which does not also serve the overall complex.
21. A designated conference planner is assigned to each conference group.
22. UPDATED JANUARY 22, 2004!
Within the conference center, staffed business services are available from a central location and include at least the following products and services: basic office supplies (e.g., paper clips, tacks, pens/pencils, tape, scissors, etc.); computer workstations with current office software applications; facsimile services, including message/fax notification and delivery system; paper shredder; word processing; photocopying; computer printing; laptop/notebook computer rental; digital media (blank diskettes and CD's) blank audio and video cassette tapes; shipping supplies and services, including postage metering and express shipping; nametag and tent card paper stock.
Food & Beverage
23. Separate dining and conference facilities, with at least one dining area available specifically for the convenience of conference groups.
24. Conference center provides dining facilities designed to accommodate conference groups on a flexible meeting schedule (at convenience of group), at least for breakfast and lunch, and to accommodate the capacity of the conference facility for lunch in two seatings of one hour each.
25. Conference center provides continuous refreshment service outside of meeting rooms unless requested otherwise by the client.
Technology
26. UPDATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2003!
On-site standard conference technology included as part of the conference package: flip charts, microphones and image and video display equipment.
27. ADDED APRIL 5, 2002 and UPDATED SEPTEMBER 18, 2003!
Conference center offers and promotes a package plan that includes computer and video image display equipment in the main meeting room.
28. Skilled technicians proficient in providing creative program consultation; equipment setup, operation and instruction; and immediate response to service needs.
Guest Rooms
(Not applicable to non-residential centers)
Additional Recommended Guidelines
Rev. 07/27/2004