Why IACC Certification Matters for Your Next Meeting at Stonewall Resort
Planning a corporate retreat or conference can feel like assembling a 1,000-piece puzzle—without the picture on the box.
You’re juggling budgets, logistics, and expectations, all while trying to create an experience that’s both productive and enjoyable.
The last thing you need? A venue that adds more stress to the mix.
That’s where IACC certification comes in.
It’s not just a fancy badge—it’s your shortcut to peace of mind. According to Shelley Gutta, Senior Sales Manager at Stonewall Resort, it makes all the difference.
“If I was a planner and planning an event, IACC would be important to me,” says Gutta. “If I was tasked with planning a meeting or an event in a locale that I was totally unfamiliar with, you think you can just get on Google and pull something up, but you really want to go to a trusted source. IACC is the gold standard.”
And Stonewall Resort? It’s the only IACC-certified conference center in West Virginia.
Here’s why that should matter to you.
The Planning Challenges You Don’t Want
Let’s be honest: Google can be a wild west of meeting venues.
Sure, you can search “conference center near me,” but how do you really know if the place can deliver? Will the AV system work without a hitch? Will the catering impress (or just… exist)? And will you show up to find a structural column awkwardly blocking half your attendees’ view?
“IACC venues consistently deliver outstanding meetings,” says Gutta. “They’re trusted, they’re reliable, and they meet strict criteria to be part of the organization. So when you book an IACC-certified venue, you know you’re getting a space designed for a seamless meeting experience.”
For experienced planners, IACC certification is like an all-access pass to reliable, high-performing venues.
And if you’re not a seasoned event planner—maybe you’re an executive assistant suddenly tasked with planning a 100-person retreat—this stamp of approval takes the guesswork out of your search.
What IACC Means (And Why You Should Care)
IACC sets the gold standard for conference centers. It’s not a pay-to-play kind of deal; it’s an elite certification that ensures a venue has:
- Trained Meeting Professionals – “Our biggest asset has always been and always will be our people,” says Gutta. “Everyone at Stonewall—from our catering managers to our conference concierge—is well-trained to expedite your meeting to the next level. They’re not just filling a role; they’re professionals who understand the nuances of a great event.”
- Top-Tier Technology – “When you’re at Stonewall, you can trust in the space, trust in the catering, and know that the technology is going to be there and work for you consistently,” Gutta explains. “That means no worrying about batteries dying in your microphones or screens that half the room can’t see.”
- Unmatched Food & Beverage – The catering bar is high. “If you’re part of IACC, you consistently deliver a higher level of catering experiences and food quality,” says Gutta. “Our banquet team is staffed to meet that requirement, and they do an outstanding job.”
- A Space Designed for Meetings – “When you’re going to an IACC-approved conference space, you’re not going to have a pillar in the middle of the room blocking views,” Gutta reassures. “Our screens come down from the ceiling, so even if you’re sitting all the way in the back, you have just as good a view as someone in the front row.”
The Hidden Advantage: Planning Made Easy
Most people planning corporate events aren’t full-time meeting planners. Many are administrative assistants, association leaders, or department heads who’ve been “voluntold” to organize the event.
That’s why a trusted venue like Stonewall Resort, backed by IACC certification, can make or break the process.
“When you’re tasked with planning a meeting, you’re given a budget, maybe a general area, and you have topics that people are gathering to discuss,” says Gutta. “But if you’re too busy worrying about the temperature in your conference space, the quality of the food, or whether the AV will work, you’ve wasted your budget. Your meeting isn’t as effective as it should be, because you’re distracted by things that should already be taken care of.”
That’s the beauty of an IACC-certified venue—it eliminates the unknowns. You can focus on content, connection, and collaboration while the venue handles the rest.
Proof in Action: A Real Meeting Win
Gutta recalls a group that found Stonewall Resort through IACC’s website. “They were a smaller group, but they weren’t familiar with planning a meeting in West Virginia. They didn’t know where to start or who to look for,” she says.
Because Stonewall Resort is the only IACC-certified conference center in the state, it stood out immediately. “They knew that because we were part of IACC, they were going to get consistency with food and beverage, with the conference planning team, with the technology, with the accommodations,” Gutta explains.
And the result? A seamless, stress-free meeting. “We also offer a package that makes it budget-friendly and easy to plan,” she adds. “And that’s an important aspect of IACC—making budgeting and conference planning simple.”
The Bottom Line When It Comes to IACC Certification
If you want to roll the dice for your next event, pick a random venue from Google.
But if you’d rather guarantee a smooth, professional, high-quality experience, go with an IACC-certified conference center like Stonewall Resort.
Because when the venue is flawless, your event can be, too.
Ready to make planning easy? Let’s talk about your next meeting at Stonewall Resort >>