Why certify? This new certification program, administered by ACCED-I, meets a growing demand among meeting planners for a sure and easy way of identifying one-stop shop collegiate conferencing operations. Certification makes a statement that your services more closely match the level of service provided by convention facilities and finer hotels.

While campus venues offer advantages in price, ambiance and variety, academia has sometimes been perceived as large, decentralized and complex. A one-stop shop navigates this campus structure on behalf of the client.

Successful candidates for certification will soon be featured on the ACCED-I Certified One-Stop Shop webpage. Certified institutions will benefit from public recognition and from the process of independent review of practices by the only association dedicated exclusively to collegiate conferences and events management.

Commenting on the new program, ACCED-I executive director Deborah Blom said, “Our members coordinate the campus visits of nearly 5 million persons annually. The concept of one-stop shop certification originated with our membership because they believe it will help meeting planners to provide those millions of visitors a more predictable, enjoyable and enriching campus experience.”

Apply for Certification

Online application

Printable application

Certification Process

1. Application with certification fee ($325) is received in ACCED-I office; check payable to ACCED-I or credit card information provided on the application form
2. Applicant receives email notification that their application has been received, outlines the review process and expected date of review completion – applications will be reviewed and completed within 60 days of receipt at the ACCED-I office
3. Staff reviews application for completeness
4. Staff contacts client references
5. Staff determines if criteria have been met
6. If there are questions about meeting the criteria, staff will contact the certification advisory committee (project team) chair
7. Project team chair determines if criteria have been met
8. If criteria are met, certification is approved
9. Institution added to the One-Stop Shop certification webpage, noted in membership record, etc.
10. If application is turned down, staff will notify the applicant of the decision and reason for the denial. Certification advisory committee will offer suggestions to work on over the next three months to meet criteria. If the applicant can submit documentation to demonstrate changes have been implemented to meet criteria within three months from notification, the applicant does not have to re-apply and pay the certification fee.

Appeal Process

If an application is turned down, the applicant can appeal the decision. The appeal request must be in writing and may include additional documentation to demonstrate that the institution meets the criteria. The appeal will be reviewed by three members of the certification advisory committee. If it’s determined the criteria have been met, steps above will be followed.

If the appeal is denied, the applicant will be notified and invited to work on the specific areas and may re-apply in six months. The initial application fee will not be refunded.

Certification Dispute Process

If a client of a certified one-stop shop notifies ACCED-I that he/she believes the operation is not operating as a one-stop shop, staff will ask the client to put their complaint in writing and give specific examples of how the operation did not function as a one-stop shop. Staff will also notify the chair of the certification advisory committee that a verbal/written complaint has been received. The chair will review the complaint to determine if the complaint is valid. If yes, the chair will notify the primary contact for the certified one-stop shop of the complaint and a note will be put in their record regarding the complaint. The chair and two additional committee members will conduct a conference call to review the complaint and develop a corrective course of action and timeframe in which it will be completed. This will be put in writing and sent to the one-stop shop operation in dispute. If the corrective course of action is not completed by the agreed upon date, the certification will be revoked. Staff will follow up with the client to inform them of the course of action.

What Successful Applicants Receive

Successful applicants will receive an approval letter, certificate and logo for display, electronic certification logo to use on materials and website, and a “placard” to use at tradeshows. In addition, certified institutions will be listed on the ACCED-I website.

Certification Fee

Certification fee:
$325 for ACCED-I members for two-year certification; re-certification required every two years.
$695 for nonmembers for two-year certification; re-certification required every two years.

Certification is valid for two calendar years, through December 31. For example, initial applicants will be certified January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008. Applications must be received by October 31, 2006 to receive the full 24 months of 2007 - 2008 certification. After that, applicants will be certified for the remainder of the year in which they are certified through December 31 of the following year. For example, an application received on June 1, 2007 will be certified beginning July 31, 2007 through the remaining months of 2007 and all of 2008.

Recertification

Recertification is required every two years and follows the same process as certification. The cost is $325 for two calendar years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simply put, what are the minimal criteria to be considered for certification? One contact, one contract and one bill for these four services offered: meeting space, dining or catering, AV, and lodging (if available on your campus and required by the program).

Why does ACCED-I advocate for one-stop shops? Every collegiate organization operates in its own way. While some institutions have complex, decentralized organizational structures, ACCED-I believes that a one-stop shop is the most customer-friendly way to offer visiting groups the services of your campus.

Does this certification guarantee quality of service? No. The program attempts only to certify adherence to the one-stop shop practice. Service-level and quality arrangements are not criteria for this certification.

What does one contact mean? One contact means your client’s arrangements will be handled through one department and primarily with one individual. Required services under the certification “umbrella” must include: 1) meeting space, 2) dining service and/or catering, 3) audio visual services, and 4) lodging (if required by the program).

What colleges and universities are eligible for One-Stop Shop certification? Is it limited to member schools of ACCED-I? No. Any accredited institution of higher learning anywhere in the world may apply for certification, regardless of professional association membership. Fees are higher for non-members.

Questions or Comments

If you have any questions or comments about the ACCED-I One-Stop Shop Certification, please contact the ACCED-I office at (970)491-5151.