There is a real need to drive access in business events, raise awareness, challenge assumptions, and not be afraid to ask questions to make the industry more inclusive.
These comments were made during the session Challenging the Status Quo 2.0: New Thinking Around Complete Event Accessibility, where Melissa Riley, senior vice president, conventions sales and services, Washington DC Convention and Tourism Corporation shared her own recent experience as a wheelchair air passenger.
The industry needs to ask questions to be thorough in providing the requisite services, she noted. She also emphasised the need to start on the journey and not strive for perfection.
Moderator Alistair Turner, managing director, Ei8ht PR and Marketing, said ICCA was on an accessibility learning curve, but there is optimism.
Compared to a year ago, Duaa Abdel Rahman, accessibility specialist, Zayed Higher Organization for People with Determination, who is visually impaired, said there have now been “positive experiences”. She cited examples of “audio description headsets” and audio-navigational systems.
However, progress is slow and challenges remain, so there is a need to raise awareness and implement solutions, she added.
Meanwhile, Chaica Al Qassimi, UAE ambassador, Down Syndrome International, welcomed the country’s signing of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Lizzy Eaton, director, Oddity Events and Marketing, who began looking into the accessibility question six years ago, said event professionals must be brave to acknowledge that “they do not know all the answers”.
She said the UK will adopt the European Accessibility Act 2025, which focuses on neurological disabilities and how programmes, services, and general experiences have to be designed. This will help the industry better understand the legalities and to embark on more necessary initiatives.
Duaa added that Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism had introduced an accessibility manual, creating a standard for venues and events.
