New Research Exposes Persistent Accessibility Barriers for Disabled Delegates at Events

Nearly all disabled delegates — a striking 93% — still face obstacles when attending events, according to groundbreaking research released by The Business of Events and ICC Wales, with support from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events.

Unveiled on 19 November at IBTM World, the report 'Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events' reveals a stark mismatch between how accessible venues believe they are and what delegates actually encounter on the ground.

Surveying 1,000 delegates who had attended an event in the past six months, the study found that almost one in three identified as having a visible or non-visible disability. Of those, an overwhelming majority reported barriers that hindered their participation.

The most common challenges included inaccessible event layouts (28%), a lack of accessible toilets (24%), insufficient staff training (25%), overstimulating environments (27%), and missing or unclear accessibility information (17%).

More than 100 venues also took part in the research. While the majority reported offering step-free access (82%), accessible toilets (91%), and disability awareness training for staff (75%), and over half confirmed they have an accessibility or inclusion policy (57%), the findings highlight a persistent disconnect between venue confidence and delegate reality.

Cost emerged as another key tension point. Almost half of venues (46%) admitted they sometimes charge for accessibility-related adjustments—such as gender-neutral toilets or ramped stages—a practice delegates overwhelmingly consider discriminatory. For attendees, accessibility is a basic right, not an add-on service.

Developed with the guidance of accessibility consultant Dr Shani Dhanda, the report examines 12 areas — from policy and legislation to sensory needs, communication, training, and technology. Across each theme, a similar pattern emerges: venues express confidence, but delegates continue to encounter barriers. Dr Dhanda follows each identified gap with targeted recommendations for meaningful improvement.

“This research deserves real applause – it’s not just a report, it’s a rallying cry for progress. The first of its kind, it shines a light on a truth we can no longer ignore – accessibility is still too often seen as optional, when in reality, it benefits everyone,” said Dhanda.

She continued: “The findings call for bold, lasting change. The time for quick fixes and reactive adjustments is over. Accessibility must be woven into every stage of design and delivery. By listening to those with lived experiences, embedding inclusive thinking, and striving for continuous improvement, the UK events industry can set a global benchmark for true inclusion.”

The report also outlines ten clear recommendations for the sector and provides a pathway toward compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which came into force in June 2025.

Craig Bingham, Managing Director at ICC Wales, commented: “Accessibility must sit at the heart of every event – and at ICC Wales, it genuinely does. We believe inclusive design should be a baseline expectation, not a bolt-on or a budget decision.

“From ensuring step-free access and gender-neutral facilities to embedding disability awareness training across our team, our approach is about removing barriers before they arise. We’ve worked closely with organisers to make sure every delegate can take part fully and comfortably – and the feedback we’ve received shows the real impact this makes.

“This report reinforces the urgency for collective action across the sector. True progress means moving beyond compliance and cost discussions, and towards a shared responsibility to make every event accessible by default.”

Mike Fletcher, Director of News & Content at The Business of Events, added: “The data reveals a real disconnect between venue intent and delegate experience. By sharing these findings openly, we hope to spark collaboration across the sector and turn good intentions into meaningful change.”

Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events is available for download here

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