Senior leaders from across the UK events industry, accessibility sector and Parliament gathered yesterday at Portcullis House, Westminster, to discuss the development of a more consistent and effective approach to accessibility across the UK events sector.
The parliamentary roundtable, hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events in partnership with The Business of Events and ICC Wales, brought together policymakers, event organisers, venues, agencies, associations and accessibility specialists to explore how the industry can move from intention to action on inclusion.
The discussion followed the recent publication of the landmark Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events report, commissioned by The Business of Events and ICC Wales, which revealed one in three event delegates identifies as having a disability, yet 93% continue to experience barriers when attending events.
Chaired by Martin Rhodes MP, Chair of the APPG for Events and Labour MP for Glasgow North, the session examined the growing complexity of accessibility standards, accreditation schemes and guidance available across the industry and the confusion this can create for organisers and venues.
Participants agreed that while there is a strong intent to improve accessibility, uncertainty around standards, fear of getting implementation wrong and a lack of consistency are preventing meaningful progress. Many also highlighted that people with disabilities are still choosing not to attend events due to a lack of confidence that their needs will be understood and accommodated, representing a significant missed opportunity both socially and economically.
A key outcome of the discussion was broad support for exploring the development of a practical, industry-led framework that could provide organisers, venues and suppliers with a shared foundation for accessibility across the UK.
Importantly, Martin Rhodes MP committed to asking for a meeting with the relevant Ministers to explore how policymakers can support the industry’s ambitions and help create greater alignment around accessibility standards.
Martin Rhodes MP, Chair of the APPG for Events and Labour MP for Glasgow North, said: “The discussions at Portcullis House demonstrated both the scale of the opportunity and the urgency of the challenge, including the need to ensure that accessibility expectations are being met in line with new and existing legal requirements.
“The events industry is committed to improving accessibility, but greater clarity and consistency are needed to help organisations deliver with confidence.
I will be asking for a meeting with the relevant Ministers to explore how government can support the development of a common accessibility framework for the events sector. This is an opportunity for the UK to lead internationally by creating a clearer, more consistent approach that benefits organisers, venues and attendees alike.”
The commitment was welcomed by participants, who recognised the opportunity for the UK to become a global leader in accessible events by establishing a clearer and more consistent approach that improves confidence for organisers and experiences for delegates.
Craig Bingham, Managing Director of ICC Wales, said: “The findings of the Access All Areas research highlighted that despite the industry’s best intentions, too many people still face barriers to participation. This roundtable was an important step in bringing together industry leaders and policymakers to discuss practical solutions.
“Accessibility should not be something organisations are afraid to get wrong. By creating greater clarity and consistency across the sector, we can help ensure that accessibility becomes embedded within event planning and delivery, creating better experiences for everyone.”
A spokesperson for The Business of Events, said: “The Access All Areas research highlighted a stark reality – too many people are still being excluded from events because accessibility is inconsistent and often unclear. The industry wants to do the right thing, but many organisations are navigating a complex landscape of guidance, standards and expectations.
“What emerged from this roundtable was a strong consensus that we need greater alignment and collaboration. By bringing together policymakers, accessibility experts, venues and organisers, we have taken an important step towards creating a practical framework that gives the industry confidence and helps ensure accessibility becomes embedded across every stage of the event experience.”
The roundtable included contributions from leading accessibility and inclusion specialists Dr Shani Dhanda (Innovating Inclusion), Andy Williamson (Welcome Brain) and Gabby Austen Browne (Diversity Alliance), alongside representatives from BCD Meetings & Events, SQLBits, Northstar – organisers of The Meetings Show, Alzheimer’s Society as well as ICC Wales and The Business of Events.
Discussions focused on the need to move beyond fragmented guidance and towards a common understanding of what good accessibility looks like in practice, creating an environment where accessibility becomes a core business consideration rather than a compliance exercise.
The Business of Events and ICC Wales will continue to work with industry partners, accessibility experts and policymakers to maintain momentum and explore practical next steps towards a shared blueprint for more inclusive events.
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
