To sharpen the points of differentiation between IACC conference centers and other types of hospitality operations, the Board of Directors encourages IACC members to meet an even higher level of standards than that required by the Universal Criteria.
Therefore, the Board endorses a series of Recommended Guidelines in areas ranging across the spectrum of the Universal Criteria. IACC does not require properties to achieve these guidelines in order to be considered for membership, but we strongly encourage members to integrate them into their long-term planning.
If you have any questions about the guidelines below or the Recommended Guidelines initiative, contact the IACC Office (by e-mail) or by telephone (314) 993-8575.
To supplement the basic requirements of the Universal Criteria, IACC has published a document called Design for Great Technology. It defines three levels of achievement for the inclusion of AV and other technologies at conference centers.
IACC recommends that every member conference center implement at least the medium level of technology described in Design for Great Technology.
As technology changes, IACC recommends that all member conference centers regularly update available equipment and the technology items offered in the Complete Meeting Package to include routinely requested AV devices and other common technologies.
According to the Universal Criteria (#4), every IACC-member conference center must offer and promote a package plan that includes conference rooms, guest rooms, three meals, continuous refreshment service, conference services and conference technology. Non-residential package includes conference rooms, lunch, continuous refreshment service, conference services and conference technology.
IACC recommends that members package all conference business.
Security
According to the Universal Criteria (#7), conferees that have multi-day meetings must be able to safely store materials and equipment overnight in dedicated conference rooms.
IACC recommends that all meeting rooms have electronically auditable door locks which can be specifically programmed to a conference group’s access requirements and which will record and track times and key numbers for every use of a key in the door.
According to the Universal Criteria (#8), every IACC-member conference center must have sufficient inventory so that at least 60% of all meeting space within the conference center can be set up using ergonomically designed chairs that swivel and tilt and that meet certain other standards as outlined in the criterion.
IACC recommends that members include all of the following when purchasing new conference chairs:
The reclining action of the chair does not lift users' feet off the floor.
Chair provides adjustable lumbar support that covers the range between 6-10 inches above the seat pan.
Backrest height is ideally 17 inches (but no less than 12 ½ inches).
Backrest width is at least 14 inches.
The height of armrests is between 8 and 10 inches, or adjustable within this range.
Distance between armrests is at least 18 inches.
Seat pan angle is within the range of 0 degrees horizontal to 4 degrees rearward.
According to the Universal Criteria (#9), every IACC-member conference center must have sufficient inventory of tables that meet specifications listed in the criteria.
IACC recommends that members provide modesty panels where appropriate in every conference room set up.
According to the Universal Criteria (#10-13), all meeting rooms that have windows must have curtains that substantially eliminate light from outside the room. Also, all conference rooms must have controllable lighting, and all dedicated conference rooms larger than 93 square metres (1,000 square feet) must have zoned lighting and controls that permit dimming across the spectrum from full-power to off. In addition all meeting rooms larger than 160 square metres (1,750 square feet) must have targetable fixtures that can be controlled separately from other zones and/or task lighting.
IACC recommends that all meeting rooms where there are windows include curtains to eliminate 100% of the light from outside the room.
IACC recommends that every conference room have a hands-on apparatus within the room that gives conferees some control over the level of lighting in that room (as opposed to, or in addition to, the ability of the staff to control the lighting from a remote location).
IACC recommends that, in every meeting room larger than 55 square metres (600 square feet), member conference centers provide zone-controlled lighting that isolates and darkens the area where any image-display screen is installed.
Acoustics
According to the Universal Criteria (#16), the acoustical rating for sound transmission between dedicated conference rooms and all adjacent areas meets or exceeds 50-60 NIC (Noise Isolation Class) for all fixed walls and 45-50 NIC for all operable walls.
IACC recommends that all walls—fixed or operable—achieve a minimum NIC rating of 51, regardless of the particular room’s primary functionality as dedicated or multi-use.
Sound System(s)
According to the Universal Criteria (#18), all meeting rooms larger than 93 square metres (1,000 square feet) must have built-in voice reinforcement sound systems, including microphone input(s) and system control unit(s).
Because ceiling speaker sound systems provide much greater aural intelligibility of human voices than wall-mounted speakers, IACC recommends that speakers for voice reinforcement be arrayed across the ceiling.
IACC recommends that member conference centers install such sound systems in smaller rooms, especially high-tech, high-finish board and video-teleconferencing rooms, as well as all dedicated conference rooms larger than 45 square metres (500 square feet).
In any meeting room where the conference center has built-in image-display screens, IACC recommends the installation of point-source speakers alongside the screen or in another appropriate location near the screen.
Cabling
According to the Universal Criteria (#20), all meeting rooms must have High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) services available. In addition, the Universal Criteria (#29) require dedicated meeting rooms larger than 93 square metres (1,000 square feet) to include a built-in remote-input computer/video-image display system.
To support these requirements, IACC recommends that cabling for communications/data lines consist of category-6 (CAT6) copper wiring and may also include multi-mode optical fiber.
For AV cabling, IACC recommends at least two runs each of low-skew category-5E (CAT5E) twisted copper, multi-mode fiber-optic, plus other high-grade analog audio and digital-grade video circuits.
Access to Power and Communication Lines
According to the Universal Criteria (#19), all dedicated conference rooms must have at least one in-room telephone outlet, simultaneous Internet connectivity and multiple power outlets located throughout the room. Also, all meeting rooms larger than 55 square metres (600 square feet) must have a minimum of two communications access plates for the connection of both telephone and high-speed Internet devices.
IACC recommends that all meeting rooms larger than 45 square metres (500 square feet) have power outlets on or near all four walls.
In meeting rooms larger than 93 square metres (1,000 square feet), IACC recommends multiple power outlets on any single wall longer than 10 metres (30 feet) and additional communications access plates whenever the distance between them—as measured along the periphery of walls in the room—exceeds 15 metres (45 feet).
IACC recommends that facilities accomplish convenient placement of outlets and communications access plates by locating them in floor boxes—at least one for every 45 square metres (500 square feet) of area in the room.
IACC recommends that facilities install at least one set of power outlets and communications connections in the floor of each section of any room with operable walls, whether or not it exceeds 45 square metres (500 square feet).
Naturally, in any state, municipality or other governance where ordinance dictates greater numbers of power outlets and/or communications access plates per room or shorter distances between them within a room, the IACC-member conference center would be required by law to observe the more restrictive local ordinance.
According to the Universal Criteria (#20), member conference centers must provide High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) services within all meeting rooms and (#32) in guest rooms, when available on site.
Because many governmental and corporate entities prohibit the use of wireless technologies for their employees, IACC recommends that member conference centers provide both wired and wireless HSIA connectivity in all meeting rooms.
In addition, IACC recommends that members provide wireless HSIA as part of the CMP or DMP in guest rooms, the Business Center and other public areas such as lobbies, hallways, dining spaces and pre-function areas.
According to the Universal Criteria (#24), every IACC-member conference center must offer staffed business services from a central location within the conference center and provide products and services as specified in the criteria.
For staffing, IACC recommends an on-duty attendant during operating hours, but other solutions may suffice based on conferee needs.
Based on conferee needs, IACC recommends that business services operate from one-half hour prior to the first meeting of the day until one-half hour after the final meeting adjourns.
During times when the Business Center is closed, IACC recommends that guests be directed to other conference center staff for their business services needs.
IACC also encourages member conference centers to provide the following optional products and services through the Business Center:
Binding supplies and services
Color transparencies
Flip chart enlargement/reduction
Laser pointer
Foam core board and lamination services
Signage production and other graphic arts services
According to the Universal Criteria (#22), conference center staff must include 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.
IACC recommends that conference centers employ conference planners who have achieved meetings-focused credentials such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or its equivalent.
According to the Universal Criteria (#31), the conference center must employ or otherwise make available skilled on-site technicians who are proficient is providing creative program consultation; equipment setup; operation and instruction; and immediate response to service needs.
IACC recommends that conference technicians have achieved at least the general credential of Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) or its equivalent.
Image-Display System(s)
According to the Universal Criteria (#28), the Package Plan (CMP or DMP) must include flip charts, microphones, and computer/video-image display equipment. The Universal Criteria (#29-30) further require that certain types of rooms as well as all dedicated conference rooms larger than 93 square metres (1,000 square feet) must have at least one built-in remote-input computer/video-image display system with retractable display/projection screen installed either in the ceiling or mounted on the wall.
IACC recommends that smaller rooms between 45 and 95 square metres (500-1,000 square feet) have at least one built-in front projector with a minimum output of 2,000 lumens and/or flat-panel LCD display system.
If the room is a high-tech, high-finish board or video-teleconferencing room, IACC recommends that the member conference center install rear projection and/or high-definition equipment in place of or in addition to the front projection image-display system.
For dedicated conference rooms (without moveable walls) between 93 and 135 square metres (1,000-1,500 square feet), IACC recommends at least one ceiling-mounted, built-in front projector with a minimum output of 3,000 lumens, high-definition equipment, and/or flat-panel LCD display system.
For auditoriums or dedicated meeting rooms larger than 135 square metres (1,500 square feet), IACC recommends at least one built-in front projector with a minimum output of 4,000 lumens and retractable mounting platform, and/or rear-projection or high-definition equipment.
IACC recommends that all member conference centers have sufficient computer and video image-display equipment with a variety of luminosity ratings available (by lease or other contract, if appropriate) to readily supply devices and systems where needed by guests or other users of the meeting facility.
IACC recommends that the conference center always include computer and video image-display equipment suitable for at least the main meeting room as part of the group’s CMP or DMP.
According to the Universal Criteria (#33), guest rooms must have work areas that include a desk or table with hard writing surface and a comfortable chair; desk or table lighting that is controllable separately from overhead lighting and gives adequate illumination for reading and writing; a phone line and simultaneous high-speed Internet connectivity; and adequate, easily accessible power outlets. In addition, the Universal Criteria stipulate that guest rooms must be separate from conference and leisure areas to allow maximum privacy and comfort.
IACC recommends that all guest rooms on site at any complex which includes an ancillary conference center be fully criteria compliant.
IACC's Environmental Policy Statement "encourages members to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their business operations." In 2009, IACC approved a Code of Sustainability that lists relevant practices for conference centers.
IACC recommends that all members achieve at least 75% of applicable tenets in the Code (the Silver Tier).
IACC's role is to constantly monitor the quality of all member conference centers. Through this process, IACC continually reviews and strengthens the Universal Criteria to ensure an optimal conference experience at all member properties.
IACC recommends that members carefully review all changes to the Universal Criteria and work aggressively toward compliance.
Approved IACC Conference Centers/Centres by Country and City/Metro Area
For more information, contact IACC - 243 North Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, Missouri 63141 United States - P.314.993.8575 - F.314.993.8919 - info@iacconline.org
To supplement the basic requirements of the Universal Criteria, IACC has published a document called 
According to the Universal Criteria (#7), conferees that have multi-day meetings must be able to safely store materials and equipment overnight in dedicated conference rooms.
According to the Universal Criteria (#8), every IACC-member conference center must have sufficient inventory so that at least 60% of all meeting space within the conference center can be set up using ergonomically designed chairs that swivel and tilt and that meet certain other standards as outlined in the criterion.
According to the Universal Criteria (#10-13), all meeting rooms that have windows must have curtains that substantially eliminate light from outside the room. Also, all conference rooms must have controllable lighting, and all dedicated conference rooms larger than 93 square metres (1,000 square feet) must have zoned lighting and controls that permit dimming across the spectrum from full-power to off. In addition all meeting rooms larger than 160 square metres (1,750 square feet) must have targetable fixtures that can be controlled separately from other zones and/or task lighting.
According to the Universal Criteria (#18), all meeting rooms larger than 93 square metres (1,000 square feet) must have built-in voice reinforcement sound systems, including microphone input(s) and system control unit(s).
According to the Universal Criteria (#20), member conference centers must provide High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) services within all meeting rooms and (#32) in guest rooms, when available on site.
According to the Universal Criteria (#28), the Package Plan (CMP or DMP) must include flip charts, microphones, and computer/video-image display equipment. The Universal Criteria (#29-30) further require that certain types of rooms as well as all dedicated conference rooms larger than 93 square metres (1,000 square feet) must have at least one built-in remote-input computer/video-image display system with retractable display/projection screen installed either in the ceiling or mounted on the wall.
