Event planners invited to contribute to next phase of landmark accessibility research
12 March 2026
The UK events industry is making progress on accessibility, but there is more to be done – and event planners’ insights are key to the next stage of research.
Following the groundbreaking ‘Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events’ research by The Business of Events and ICC Wales, with support from accessibility consultant Dr Shani Dhanda and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events, the first phase revealed that 93% of delegates with disabilities continue to face barriers at events.
The research, which surveyed over 1,000 delegates and more than 100 venues, highlighted key disconnects between venue confidence and delegate experience, particularly around physical access, staff training, sensory needs, communication, and digital accessibility. It also mapped a clear pathway to compliance with the European Accessibility Act, which came into force in June 2025.
Building on this momentum, the next phase of the research now focuses on event planners – the professionals who make critical decisions on venues, budgets, and event delivery. Their perspectives will ensure the research evolves to reflect the realities of planning and running events, helping shape practical guidance, industry standards, and sector-wide policy.
The short survey for planners explores:
- 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, 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 urge organisations and partners to share this survey with event planners, so their perspectives contribute to a full, actionable picture of accessibility across the sector.
The findings will be shared at a dedicated session during the ABPCO Festival of Learning in April and disseminated more widely across the global events industry.
Take part in the survey here.
The survey closes at 5pm on Friday, 20 March.
By participating, event planners help ensure the UK events industry continues to evolve toward fully inclusive, accessible events for all delegates.
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