A UK-wide
research project into accessibility and inclusion across the business events
sector has been launched to increase awareness and drive meaningful change,
with the support of the All-Party
Parliamentary Group for Events.
ICC
Wales and The
Business of Events have joined forces to gather detailed insight from
venues and organisers nationwide to build a clearer picture of current
challenges, practices, and ambitions.
With the European
Accessibility Act (EAA) now in force across the EU, venues and organisers in
the international events sector face growing pressure to ensure they are
welcoming and fully inclusive for all delegates.
Supported by
award-winning disability inclusion and accessibility expert Dr Shani Dhanda,
the research invites venues and planners to take part in a short, anonymous
survey, sharing honest insights into how accessibility is currently approached
and where improvements are needed.
Dr Shani Dhanda said:
“Accessibility isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s a necessity. True inclusion starts
with listening, and this research is an important first step in understanding
the current reality of our industry. By taking part, venues and organisers can
help uncover the gaps, challenge assumptions, and build events that work for
everyone.”
The findings will feed
into a report due to be launched later this year, featuring research and
commentary from delegates with both visible and non-visible disabilities. The
goal is to provide actionable insight that venues, organisers, and suppliers
can use to create lasting change – rooted in lived experience and real-world
application.
Discussing the
importance of the research, chief executive of ICC Wales and The Celtic
Collection, Julie Hammond said: “While the UK is no longer part of the EU, the
European Accessibility Act sets a new benchmark that venues simply can’t ignore
– especially those working with international clients. But raising standards
isn’t just about compliance; it’s about listening. If we want to deliver truly
inclusive experiences, we must listen to those with lived experience of
disability and be honest about where we are now. I urge UK venues to take part
in this research, share their challenges, and be part of the change.”
The whitepaper will
align with the EAA and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), covering
areas such as venue infrastructure, digital access, sensory needs,
neurodiversity, and emerging AI-driven solutions. It will also draw on ICC
Wales’s experience of hosting accessible events such as the Kidz to Adultz
exhibition and the SQLBits Data Conference.
The venue survey is now live and can be accessed here. It will
close on Thursday 31 July 2025.
