BJCC hosting first large public event since the pandemic, thanks to enhanced safety measures

This weekend, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) is hosting its first large public event since March 2020. 

Thanks to the implementation of numerous safety measures automotive fans can attend the  50th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Auto Show.

“Last spring as facilities worldwide closed to large events in order to aid public health, our team set to work planning for resuming large events, safely,” said Tad Snider, Executive Director and CEO, BJCC Authority. “We have had eleven months to put advanced protocols and processes in place. The BJCC is prepared for this.”

Accreditation 

During the pandemic, the BJCC has hosted small private corporate meetings and services for the Church of the Highlands.

To prepare for large public events, like the World of Wheels, in August 2020, the BJCC earned the STARTM Facility Accreditation on cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention, granted through the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC). 

The GBAC STAR is the industry’s leading outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, according to the BJCC.  The accreditation process evaluated the BJCC’s proficiency within 20 key efforts, ranging from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to PPE and response measures to combat biohazards and infectious diseases, including the novel coronavirus (SARS CoV-2). 

The BJCC was the first facility in Alabama to obtain the designation.

“We were eager to have our protocols tested and measured by 3rd party experts,” Snider continued. “The BJCC follows industry best practices. And the World of Wheels is the ideal event to see those practices at work, particularly the social distancing requirements. BJCC.

The Measures

The BJCC provided the Bham Now a list of the safety measures they have enacted.

Here are the details:

Face Coverings

Pursuant to the State of Alabama’s Public Health Order, face coverings must be worn throughout all BJCC venues.

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Touch-free hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the facility
• All high touch surfaces are disinfected on a continual basis by the BJCC Clean Team.
  These touch points include but are not limited to: entry doors, handrails, restrooms, trash receptacle touch points, dining tables and chairs

Social Distancing

• Attendees, exhibitors and staff maintain 6’ of distance
• Capacity for all exhibit halls, ballrooms, and meeting rooms has been revised to allow for
  social distancing standards
• Public access doors may be designated as either Entrance Only or Exit Only to limit
  traffic and personal contact
• Floor markings onsite direct social distancing standards
• Elevator capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing standards
  

Food & Beverage

• Face covering over nose and mouth to be worn at all times by staff, exhibitors and attendees, except when eating and drinking in designated concession areas only

Onsite Communications

•  Print and digital signage in public areas, including restrooms, reminds guests of important hygiene measures and social distancing

Attendee Protocols

• Attendees will be subject to a temperature check
• If exhibiting symptoms, stay hme and avoid contact with other people
• Public safety is strengthened when everyone complies with good hygiene practices
  

Staff & Exhibitor Protocols

• All employees, exhibitors and promoters will wear face masks while in close proximity to attendees and guests.
• Employees are directed to stay home when sick, and to inform Human Resources immediately if they are aware of any possible exposure to COVID-19
• Health screening for staff and exhibitors prior to entering the building
  

More Large Public Events Later in 2021

This is a big year for the BJCC with the opening of Protective Stadium in the fall and competition of the Legacy Arena expansion and renovation. 

Along with keeping people safe, Snider looks forward to more events coming to the BJCC in the fall. 

“Never for a minute did we take our eye off the ball, we knew we needed to be ready. We are looking forward to what we are seeing, a period in late fall to kind of getting back to doing what we love to do, which is provide great events for the community. That’s what we are here for. We are anxious to be able to do that in the safest possible way again.”

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