Event Planners Invited to Shape Next Phase of UK Accessibility Research

The UK events industry is making progress on accessibility, but significant challenges remain — and the next stage of research is turning to event planners for critical insights.

Following the groundbreaking Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events study by The Business of Events and ICC Wales, supported by accessibility consultant Dr Shani Dhanda and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG for Events), the first phase of research revealed a stark reality: 93% of delegates with disabilities still encounter barriers when attending events.

The study, which gathered feedback from more than 1,000 delegates and over 100 venues, exposed a significant disconnect between venue confidence and the actual experience of attendees. Key gaps were identified in areas such as physical access, staff training, sensory considerations, communication and digital accessibility. The research also outlined a clear pathway for venues and organisers to align with the European Accessibility Act, which came into force in June 2025.

Building on this momentum, the second phase now focuses on event planners — the professionals responsible for selecting venues, managing budgets and shaping how events are delivered. Their perspectives will help ensure the research reflects the practical realities of planning and running events, while informing guidance, industry standards and policy development across the sector.

A short survey for planners explores several key themes, including:

• how accessibility influences event decisions and budgets

• where venues and suppliers fall short

• awareness and readiness for the European Accessibility Act

• what ‘good’ accessibility looks like in practice

Craig Bingham (on the right), Managing Director, 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 said: “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 Business of Events and ICC Wales are encouraging organisations and industry partners to share the survey widely with event planners, ensuring their perspectives contribute to a comprehensive and actionable picture of accessibility across the sector.

The findings will be presented at a dedicated session during the ABPCO Festival of Learning in April, before being disseminated more broadly across the global events industry.

Event planners can take part in the survey now, with responses open until 5pm on Friday, 20 March. By contributing, planners will help support the industry’s ongoing transition toward fully inclusive and accessible events for all delegates.
 

Take part in the survey here
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.