Event planners invited to contribute to landmark accessibility research

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Event planners across the UK are being invited to contribute to the next phase of landmark research examining accessibility across the events sector.

The study, titled Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events, was launched by The Business of Events and ICC Wales, with support from accessibility consultant Dr Shani Dhanda and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events.

Initial findings from the first phase of the research showed that while the industry is making progress, significant barriers remain.

The report found that 93% of delegates with disabilities still experience challenges when attending events.

The first stage of the project surveyed more than 1,000 delegates and over 100 venues, identifying a gap between venue confidence in accessibility and the lived experiences of attendees.

Key issues included physical access, staff training, sensory considerations, communication and digital accessibility.

The research also outlined a pathway for the events industry to meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act, which came into force in June 2025.

Organisers are now turning their attention to event planners for the next phase of the project.

As the professionals responsible for choosing venues, setting budgets and shaping event delivery, planners’ insights are expected to help build a more complete picture of accessibility challenges across the sector.

A new short survey has been launched to gather planners’ views on how accessibility influences event decisions and budgets, where venues and suppliers may be falling short, awareness and readiness for the European Accessibility Act, and what effective accessibility looks like in practice.

Craig Bingham, Managing Director of ICC Wales, said: “Accessibility must be central to every event.

“By capturing planners’ insights, we continue the conversation and momentum started in the first phase, ensuring inclusive design is embedded across the sector.”

Dr Shani Dhanda added: “The initial research shone a light on the gaps between venue intent and delegate experience.

“Planners’ voices are essential to evolving this work, embedding inclusive thinking across every stage of event delivery, and driving lasting change.”

The organisations behind the project are encouraging industry bodies and partners to circulate the survey widely among event planners so the research can develop a comprehensive and practical view of accessibility in the sector.

Findings from the next stage of the research will be presented during a dedicated session at the ABPCO Festival of Learning in April before being shared more widely across the global events industry.