The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) has been named one of the world’s best convention centres by the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC). The prestigious Apex Awards, which are presented bi-annually, were announced at the AIPC annual conference, held this week in Berlin.
AIPC represents an elite association of international convention centres from 54 countries around the world. At the awards dinner, the Durban ICC was ranked as one on the world’s top 15 convention centres. The Centre had qualified for the AIPC Apex Awards by achieving exceptional levels of client satisfaction.
The award assessments are based on a comprehensive client satisfaction analysis conducted by international market research firm, Ipsos. The firm conducts surveys directly with clients to assess the entire convention centre experience, evaluating the venue’s spaces, food and beverage, technology, audio visual, and event management process.
Commenting on the announcement, Durban ICC chief executive officer, Julie-May Ellingson said: “The AIPC Apex Award is one of the most prestigious titles in the world and we are truly honoured to receive this accolade. I am especially pleased that this recognition is based on our clients’ feedback. I want to acknowledge the Durban ICC team for their tireless efforts in creating truly world-class guest experiences. We constantly strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and earning this kind of recognition makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
At the conference, the Durban ICC was also presented with the Gold Certification from the AIPC Quality Standards programme. This is the highest level of certification possible in the quality assessment programme, which is designed to evaluate key areas of convention centre performance and is the only specifically purposed international accreditation of its kind certification in the conventions industry.
This endorsement complements the Durban ICC’s existing international certifications in Quality Management (ISO 9001), Environmental Responsibility (ISO 14001) and Food Safety (ISO 22000 and HACCP). “This certification demonstrates our commitment to world-class standards in the management and operation of the Durban ICC. The AIPC Gold certification provides global recognition and respect in the international meetings industry,” Ellingson concluded.
