Accessible & Inclusive Solutions for Events
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 the Wellness Lounge, we’ve seen growing interest from clients wanting to incorporate similar concepts into their own events. Attendee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with the space receiving ratings of 8.2/10 at the Summer Event Show and 8.8/10 at the Christmas Party Show. A reminder that inclusive design goes well beyond ramps and lifts.
I liked the wellness room, which i haven't experienced anywhere else. You put the client's needs at the forefront which is evident in your planning.
The wellness centre was the highlight of the event for me - including my free massage! Bliss!
The wellness meditation was such a thoughtful touch, a perfect moment of calm amidst the excitement.
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 full of character, 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. By digging deep into the brief from the outset, we can ask the right questions and select venues that perfectly match our clients’ needs.
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 Waitrose and Mars.
Ensure your event feels welcoming to every attendee by working with Story. We’ll make sure all touchpoints are considered without compromising your event flow.