Accessibility and inclusivity at events shouldn’t be an afterthought, a line item that gets cut when budgets tighten, or a box ticked to satisfy compliance. Beyond the ethical case, there’s a straightforward business one. Events that are open to everyone reach wider audiences and create the kind of environments where people actually want to spend time. Inclusivity isn’t a cost; it’s an investment in the experience.
For us at Story Events, something we build in from the very first conversation with a client. As an end-to-end events management agency, we oversee every stage of the process, from initial concept through to on-site delivery. That means accessibility thinking runs through every decision we make: venue selection, registration, production, staffing and everything in between.
Getting the details right
At our flagship tradeshows, this translates into practical, considered measures. Our registration forms include accessibility requirements as standard, so visitors can flag anything they need well in advance, giving us the time to respond properly rather than scrambling on the day. We installed a stage lift to ensure our seminar programme was fully accessible to all speakers and guests, omitting using a raised speaker stage as a default for exactly this reason. Live captioning across all seminars has become an integral part of how we run our shows.
Inclusive Innovation
Across the events industry, there’s a growing conversation around attendee wellbeing and we’re seeing that translate into real demand for adapted breakout spaces for those who may find events overwhelming.
That thinking is what led us to create The Wellness Lounge concept in our shows, a dedicated space conceived specifically around the need for calm amid the noise. Somewhere to step away and breathe, brought to life with massage, relaxing music, meditation sessions, soothing scents and colouring activities. Since introducing it we’ve seen growing interest from clients wanting to incorporate similar concepts into their own events. A reminder that inclusive design goes well beyond ramps and lifts.
Adapting to every audience
One of the many delegate demographics we encounter, as well as the expected typical corporate event attendees, is for our long-standing prestigious memorial event client that brings together an older audience with a specific and varied set of requirements. That means managing door-to-door transport logistics, providing wheelchairs, ensuring hearing loops are in place, and briefing every member of our team accordingly.
Making unexpected venues work
Our depth of experience across London and beyond means we regularly work in heritage and more unusual venues, spaces that are characterful, but don’t always make accessibility straightforward. Where others might lack the expertise to navigate the compliance requirements and practical challenges these spaces present, we have the knowledge to make them work for everyone.
The goal is always to create an event where every single attendee can participate fully and have the same quality of experience. It’s a standard we hold ourselves to whether that’s our own flagship tradeshows, or client events like the Global Disability Summit, and clients such as BCG and Mars.
020 7870 9303 | hello@storyevents.co.uk
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Author: Tegan Double
Tegan Double is an Advertising Campaign Consultant at Event Industry News, working closely with brands and organisations across the events sector to create targeted, results-driven campaigns. Helping partners amplify their message, reach the right audiences, and tell compelling stories through industry-leading media and content.
