Access All Areas - Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events

As a venue that welcomes delegates from across Europe, ICC Wales recognises that accessibility isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating a truly inclusive experience for everyone. 

With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into effect in June 2025, ICC Wales set out to better understand the barriers faced by delegates with visible and non-visible disabilities, and to lead positive change across the wider events industry.

In partnership with The Business of Events and supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, ICC Wales launched Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events – a landmark national research project developed with accessibility consultant Dr Shani Dhanda. 

Drawing on insights from 1,000 delegates and more than 100 venues, the research found that nearly one in three event attendees identifies as having a visible or non-visible disability.

Despite this, 93% of disabled delegates still face barriers when attending events – from inaccessible layouts to a lack of trained staff – revealing a clear gap between venue intent and delegate experience. By publishing this report and its ten key recommendations, ICC Wales aims to drive lasting, industry-wide progress and ensure accessibility becomes the standard, not the exception.

The Business of Events (TBOE) and ICC Wales undertook research to champion accessibility and inclusivity across the UK events sector. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) setting new standards, it was vital to understand both the risks of non-compliance and the opportunities of leading the way in accessible event design. By commissioning this study, TBOE and ICC Wales aimed to provide venues and organisers with practical insights that would help deliver events that welcome every delegate.

To achieve this, Access All Areas - Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events draws on two complementary surveys and qualitative analysis. Central to the findings is a delegate survey conducted in June 2025 with 1,000 attendees aged 18–65, all of whom had participated in workshops, conferences, conventions, exhibitions, award ceremonies, or corporate events within the previous six months. Delivered by market research agency 3Gem, the study followed the Market Research Society and ESOMAR Codes of Conduct, ensuring robust, representative insights. Together, these findings provide a clear evidence base and actionable recommendations for the industry.

“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. 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.”

I commend The Business of Events and ICC Wales for carrying out this research and for their various recommendations. My colleagues and I in the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, and in Parliament, look forward to advocating for this long-overdue change.

The ICC Wales staff are excellent. They genuinely want to make event
design more inclusive and accessible, rather than creating barriers like charging for facilities
that should be standard, such as gender-neutral toilets and accessible signage.