CHICAGO - “You are the body that needs to start warning people about what it will take to control this virus from the inspection standpoint and the severe disease standpoint. Thanks to Patty for setting up this open space where people have the confidence to say what’s on their minds. That’s the value of getting together as it can trigger something in someone else’s mind and change thinking forever and how we will move forward together,” the eminent Dr. Deborah Birx, a renowned medical physician, infectious disease expert, diplomat, and former White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, said during her keynote at the GBAC Symposium 2022, which was focused on air considerations.
That is the power of meeting face-to-face, and that is precisely what 75 executives did during the inaugural GBAC Symposium 2022 held August 16-17 at the Chicago Hyatt Regency, a GBAC-accredited facility. Best practices, innovation, and new programs and processes were featured.
In addition to Dr. Deborah Birx, Dr. John McKeon, Dr. Mark Hernandez, Dr. Paul Meechan, and others offered scientific insight. Also in attendance were those on the front lines of dealing with infectious disease day in and day out.
“We had such an amazing representation of engaged people at the symposium. Key experts such as Dr. John McKeon, MD, Dr. Deborah Birx., MD, Dr. Mark Hernandez, and more. Members from Allergy Standards Ltd., the American Air Duct Cleaners Association, service providers, and business owners. It was wonderful — they all participated in the discussions. Our vendors that were there engaged with people and shared information about what they saw in indoor air quality for healthy homes and healthy spaces and how do we do better moving forward,” Patty Olinger, Executive Director, GBAC, said.
In the midst of the pandemic, the focus was on surface transmission of infectious diseases, bacteria, and more. According to experts, air purification is the next frontier in protecting against infectious disease.
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“With new technologies emerging in the cleaning industry, such as air purification and monitoring systems, we need to find ways to educate individuals on the importance and implementation of these technologies in facilities such as schools, convention centers, stadiums, health care settings, and more to prepare against an infectious disease outbreak or future pandemic,” Sydney Schauer, Manager, Technology and Programs, GBAC, and a symposium organizer, said.
During the symposium, Allergy Standards Limited, the international standards and certification body, launched its educational program, Healthier Buildings Awareness, specifically designed in partnership with GBAC and ISSA -The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association for facilities managers, to help address the knowledge gap relating to healthy buildings and indoor air quality.
Given the success of the GBAC Symposium 2022 Air Considerations, the organization is already focusing on presenting another symposium for 2023. “Now, we have the reputation of putting on a great symposium, and that will help for the next one,” Olinger said.
Throughout her keynote, Dr. Birx referenced her new book Silent Invasion: The Untold Story of the Trump Administration, Covid-19, and Preventing the Next Pandemic Before It’s Too Late, which offers an inside account of the Trump Administration’s response to the coronavirus crisis including her work with CDC Director Robert Redfield, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and others.
Reach Patty Olinger at (847) 982-0800 or pattyo@issa.com
