Top 5 Accessible Events (And What They Teach Us)
Accessible events don’t happen by accident. They happen because someone has stopped and asked: Who might this not work for — and what can we change?
Across the events industry, there are examples of events taking accessibility seriously. Not because it’s a tick-box exercise, but because they understand that access affects who can attend, who feels welcome, and who is excluded.
These events aren’t perfect. But they are intentional. And there’s a lot the rest of the industry can learn from them. Here’s our run-down of five events that are leading the way in terms of accessibility and the lessons we can take from them.
1. Naidex
Naidex is often described as the gold standard for accessible events, and that’s because accessibility isn’t treated as an add-on. Rather, it’s the starting point.
Attendees go along to see what’s possible and hear the latest developments in the accessibility space. That could be via discovering practical products and innovations, to hearing from expert speakers, or to connecting with others who understand the realities of disabled life. It’s one of the prime dates in the inclusion calendar!
As one of the UK’s leading events for disabled people, Naidex is a great example of an event designed around real access needs. Step-free access, clear wayfinding, quiet spaces, accessible toilets and detailed access information are all part of the baseline.
What this looks like in practice:
Accessibility considered from the earliest planning stages
Clear, detailed access information available before people book
Multiple access provisions that reflect different needs
What you can learn from this:
When accessibility is treated as the starting point rather than an afterthought, events become easier to plan, clearer to communicate, and more welcoming to a wider range of people. Designing around real access needs from the outset reduces last-minute fixes and creates a better experience for everyone.
2. SIC Conference
Of course, we had to give a shout out to our own SIC Conference! We design our annual event around lived experience, meaning decisions are shaped by disabled and neurodivergent people, not guesswork. And it’s something we’re very proud of.
We think about access at every stage: venue choice, programme design, session formats, ticketing, content warnings, and how people can engage on their own terms. We’re also open about the fact that accessibility is an ongoing process and always value feedback to help us make the conference even bigger and better!
What we prioritise:
Communication that works for everyone. Our panels and speakers focus on making content accessible and engaging for all.
Practical adjustments, including quiet spaces, clear wayfinding, and tweaks like boxed lunches over buffets to reduce barriers to those with allergies or complex dietary needs.
Clear advance information: attendees get detailed agendas and access guidance ahead of time.
Inclusive session formats: from panels to live podcasts, we always aim to encourage diverse ways of participating.
Low‑cost, high‑impact adjustments, because we know that small changes can make a big difference for disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill attendees.
What you can learn from this:
As we said before, you don’t need to get everything right first time - don’t let a fear of failing stop you from trying to take the steps to make your events more accessible. But you do need to be honest, intentional and willing to adapt based on feedback - and that’s a rule we live by here at SIC.
3. Unlimited Festival
Unlimited puts disabled artists and audiences at the centre of everything it does. Accessibility isn’t something added to the programme — it is the programme.
From relaxed performances and access riders to inclusive communication and artist-led access needs, Unlimited normalises different ways of experiencing events.
What this looks like in practice:
Access-centred programming
Disabled artists shaping how access is delivered
Clear signals that different needs are expected and welcomed
What you can learn from this:
When disabled people are involved in shaping events, accessibility becomes more thoughtful, creative and meaningful — not just a compliance exercise.
4. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Fringe is one of the largest arts festivals in the world, and with that scale comes complexity. But complexity isn’t an excuse for inaccessibility. In recent years, the Fringe Society has taken practical steps to make the festival more navigable and welcoming for disabled audiences and artists.
Through a dedicated access booking service, relaxed performances, captioned and BSL-interpreted shows, and ongoing improvements to access information, the Fringe makes it easier for more people to plan their visit and take part. Sensory tools, visual timetables, and mapped quieter spaces help audiences navigate the festival’s busy, sensory-rich environment, while accessible facilities like Changing Places toilets provide practical support on the ground.
What this looks like in practice:
More choice and flexibility for audiences, including accessible and enhanced performances
Clear, detailed access information to help people plan ahead
Practical onsite adjustments, like quieter spaces and accessible facilities
Listening to and acting on feedback to reduce barriers where possible
What you can learn from this:
Even large, complex events can make meaningful improvements when accessibility is prioritised. Providing clear information, practical adjustments, and choice empowers audiences with diverse needs to participate with confidence.
5. Attitude Is Everything
Attitude Is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice doesn’t highlight a single event. Instead, it sets a benchmark for the whole live events industry. Its Live Events Access Charter provides a structured framework to help venues and festivals build disability equality into everything they do, from online information and policies to access on site. Accessibility becomes part of standard planning and delivery, rather than an afterthought.
Charter-accredited venues and festivals work through award levels like Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, with guidance and feedback often informed by disabled audiences and mystery shoppers.
What this looks like in practice:
Access standards led by disabled people
Clear expectations and criteria that define what good access really means
Accountability through structured assessment and regular review
Resources and support to embed accessible practices across the event or venue
What you can learn from this:
Accessibility works best when it’s guided by people with lived experience and backed by transparent standards. A structured framework like the Charter helps teams turn intention into action, measure progress, and make meaningful improvements that last.
What These Events Teach Us About Accessibility
Across all five examples, some clear principles emerge. First, accessibility works best when it’s considered from the start, not added on as an afterthought. Access information should be clear, honest, and easy to find, and disabled people must be listened to and involved throughout planning and delivery. And when accessibility is treated as part of quality, rather than just compliance, events become genuinely inclusive.
This is about removing barriers that shouldn’t be there. Accessible events reach wider audiences, build trust, and reduce risk, while making it easier for everyone to attend with confidence. It’s about creating events that everyone can actually experience and enjoy.
How SIC Can Help
At SIC, we support events professionals to identify barriers, improve access and design events that work for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on existing work, we can help you move from intention to practical action.
👉 Book a discovery call to talk about your event and how we can help remove barriers.
