The University Events and Conference Services department at Kent State University, formerly known as University Conference Bureau, achieved One-Stop Shop Certification through the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors-International.
One-Stop Shop certification recognizes collegiate operations that deliver one contact, one contract and one bill to meeting planners. This streamlining of conferencing and events coordination is intended to more closely match the practices of convention facilities and finer hotels.
“Achieving this certification was a goal of mine when I became an assistant director three years ago,” says Ann Day, assistant director for University Events and Conference Services at Kent State.
The process required for certification includes documentation of proposals, contracts, invoices and marketing materials that demonstrate adherence to One-Stop Shop principles. In addition, client references are required for successful certification. The certification is valid for five years, with self-certification required every year.
“Not every event on the Kent Campus will go through our office, but we’re trying to get a lot of the large programs to use our services,” Day says.
Kent State’s University Events and Conference Services supports approximately 11,000 events and 700,000 attendees each year for no additional charge for its services.
The department takes care of every detail for the customer so they do not have to play the telephone game, Day says.
“We create a comprehensive list of all of the services requested for the program, communicate this information with the appropriate service providers for them and send the customer one all-inclusive invoice from Kent State University,” Day says. “If a customer wants flowers at their event, we take care of ordering and paying for them – so they don’t have to deal with it.”
Learn more about Kent State’s University Events and Conference Services.
If you have questions regarding scheduling conferences, symposiums or seminars, email ucb@kent.edu or call 330-672-3161.
Learn more about One-Stop Shop certification and a listing of certified institutions.
