Yesterday, senior leaders from across the UK events industry, the accessibility sector and Parliament gathered at Portcullis House, Westminster to discuss how the industry can develop a more consistent and effective approach to accessibility.
The parliamentary roundtable, hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events in partnership with The Business of Events and ICC Wales, brought together policymakers, event organisers, venues, agencies, associations and accessibility specialists all focused on moving from intention to action on inclusion.
We were joined by:
Dr Shani Dhanda
Andy Williamson, Welcome Brain Consulting
Gabrielle Austen-Browne (she/her), Diversity Alliance ®
Craig Bingham, ICC Wales
Amy Phillips, ICC Wales
Jade Spencer, BCD Meetings & Events
Simon Sabin, SQLBits
Jack Marczewski, The Meetings Show (part of Northstar Meetings Group)
Allison Garoghan, Alzheimer's Society
The session followed publication of the landmark Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events report, which revealed that one in three event delegates identifies as having a disability, yet 93% still experience barriers when attending events.
Chaired by Martin Rhodes MP, Chair of the APPG Events and Labour MP for Glasgow North, the discussion examined the complexity of existing accessibility standards, accreditation schemes and guidance, and the confusion this creates for venues and organisers alike.
There was broad consensus that while intent to improve accessibility is strong, uncertainty around standards, fear of getting it wrong and a lack of consistency are preventing meaningful progress. Many highlighted that people with disabilities are choosing not to attend events at all due to a lack of confidence that their needs will be met. Socially and economically, that is a significant missed opportunity.
A key outcome was strong support for exploring a practical, industry-led framework that gives organisers, venues and suppliers a shared foundation for accessibility across the UK. Martin Rhodes MP will now be seeking a meeting with the relevant ministers to explore how government can support that ambition and help drive greater alignment around accessibility standards.
The Business of Events and ICC Wales will continue to work with industry partners, accessibility experts and policymakers to maintain momentum and develop practical next steps towards a shared blueprint for more inclusive events.
Watch this space.
📥 Read the Access All Areas report here: https://lnkd.in/e7rik9iZ
#AccessAllAreas #InclusiveEvents #AccessibilityInEvents #UKEvents #BusinessEvents #APPG