Building Management
Conferences Services
In 2018, Venue and Event Management (VEM) serviced 1 623 meetings (533 in the Conference Centre and 1 090 in the Office Tower) and registered 6 941 participants to 108 events. Over the course of the year, VEM developed and implemented a quality and environmental management system (QEMS), and earned two ISO certifications: ISO 9001:2015 (quality) and ISO 14001:2015 (environment). VEM now has a team of certified internal ISO auditors, allowing us to assist other sections/units with their preparation towards an ISO 9001:2015 or ISO 14001:2015 certification.
As part of its contribution to the Organization’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2020, VEM launched several sustainable initiatives: recycling bins throughout the Conference Centre, enhanced digital signage, reusable poster signs, ban of plastic straws at the cafeteria, and the development of sustainability check-lists.
In 2018, in coordination with the Interpretation Section, VEM also achieved compliance with ISO 20109:2016 and ISO 2603:2016 standards. These define the requirements for simultaneous interpreting equipment and permanent booths. The decision to adhere to these standards ensures a qualified and comfortable environment for interpreters, high-quality interpretation equipment services for event participants, and an integrated continual improvement process.
Major renovations
In coordination with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), major renovations, upgrades and construction projects were completed in the Conference Centre and the Office Tower in 2018 to improve space for Delegations, Secretariat Staff, and meeting participants. Major projects included:
- agreement of floor plans for a “Show Case” project;
- installation of blast resistance film to enhance security;
- construction of a new smart conference/training room;
- renovation of open space workspaces to install 29 new ICAO standard stations, five closed offices, a kitchen, a coat closet and a storage room; and
- renovations to the President’s office.
