2 minute read
Pat Rice, Executive Director, Boise Centre
BY ANTHONY BILDEN
The recently expanded Boise Centre, located in Boise, ID, is the state’s largest convention center. In the following Q&A, Pat Rice discusses the facility’s response to COVID-19.
Q. How has your facility assisted the local community during the pandemic?
A. In the wake of COVID-19, Boise Centre has partnered with
The Idaho Foodbank to help address food insecurity at this difficult time. Following the cancellation of many events and
Idaho’s stay-at-home order, Boise Centre donated its largest ballroom to the Idaho Foodbank for use in April and May.
The venue was quickly converted into a storehouse of food pallets and packing materials to build special food boxes destined for school children and senior citizens. This feat of engineering could not be possible without the space and storage donated by Boise Centre. The massive square footage allows volunteers to work safely and adhere to social distancing measures. Boise Centre also offered refrigerators and freezers to store perishable food.
Q. What are your current reopening plans and preparations?
A. Boise Centre has developed a comprehensive reopening plan that closely follows guidelines of the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities. The reopening plan has been submitted to local health authorities for approval. Boise Centre anticipates reopening in mid to late June. More details are available at boisecentre.com.
Currently, Boise Centre’s management team is working diligently to ensure the cleanliness of the convention center and to develop new policies and procedures to protect the health and safety of our guests and employees.
Q. What new practices or technology will you implement to help prevent contagion when meetings resume?
A. Prior to entering Boise Centre, all employees, vendors and guests will be screened for temperatures utilizing thermal cameras or touch-less infrared technology. Anyone displaying a temperature at or above 100.3 will be taken to a private area for a secondary temperature screening. Employees or guests confirmed to have a temperature at or above 100.3 will not be allowed entry to Boise Centre.
Hand sanitizer dispensers, touch-less whenever possible, and sanitation stations will be placed at all guest and employee entrances, and high-traffic locations such as elevators, escalators and at all catered functions.
Heightened cleaning and disinfecting protocols have been established based on CDC recommendations to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Wherever possible, contact-less technology is being incorporated within Boise Centre. Along with in-person meetings, Boise Centre is offering hybrid events with video conferencing and streaming to accommodate remote participants and physical-distancing requirements.
Q. What overall message do you wish to send to planners who will be booking your facility for late 2020 or 2021?
A. Boise Centre is eager to welcome guests and visitors when the time is right. We will continue to follow the COVID-19 public health situation closely and will adjust our policies and procedures as needed. Along with our partners at the
Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau and the lodging community, we look forward to welcoming you to Idaho’s capital city.
