Accessible Events Show Set to Redefine Event Industry Standards

A powerful new industry event is set to shake up the status quo and put accessibility at the heart of event planning. The Accessible Events Show launches on Thursday, 18 September 2025 at The Drum, Wembley, bringing together event professionals, agencies, and in-house teams for a full day of actionable insight, innovation, and inspiration.

Created by Attendable, MyClearText, and Shani Dhanda, this is the UK’s, and quite possibly the world’s, first event solely dedicated to making accessibility a central part of the event planning process.

As the call for inclusion becomes impossible to ignore, this event gives professionals the tools to take meaningful, practical steps toward accessible event design. Attendees will benefit from expert-led sessions, inclusive supplier exhibits, venue tour, and real-life case studies from businesses and brands, all designed to help planners create events that are not only inclusive and legally compliant but commercially stronger as a result.

“The Accessible Events Show is an unmissable opportunity for the industry to reframe accessibility, not as a tick-box exercise, but as a chance to create richer, more engaging experiences for all,” said Catherine Grinyer, Managing Director at Attendable.

“By connecting experts, suppliers, and passionate event professionals, we’re giving people the tools to make inclusive events the norm, not the exception.”

A must-attend moment for the events industry

With more than 16 million disabled people in the UK, creating accessible events is no longer optional; it’s a moral imperative and a strategic advantage. And the numbers speak for themselves:

• 95% of disabled people check accessibility information before visiting an event
• 96% say they’re more likely to attend if that information is available in advance
• 77% have avoided venues due to lack of accessibility details
• 73% have left mid-event when promised facilities weren’t available
• 56% have faced discrimination at venues, and 68% rate staff accessibility awareness as average or worse

(Source: AccessAble.co.uk)

This data makes it clear: accessibility needs to be built in from the start, not added in at the end, if it happens at all.

Hosted by Dr Shani Dhanda, with insight from Primark

The event will be hosted by Dr Shani Dhanda, one of the world’s leading Accessibility Specialists, a Broadcaster, and a graduate in event management. Named the UK’s Most Influential Disabled Person, Shani brings her industry expertise and lived experience to guide the day’s discussions and deliver the opening keynote.

“Events have the incredible power to connect us, to inspire us and to create moments we never forget. But for far too long, disabled people have been excluded from that magic. The Accessible Events Show is here to change the narrative. It’s about empowering event professionals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to design events, venues, and experiences that are accessible to everyone, not as an afterthought, but as the foundation,” said Shani Dhanda.

Accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a smart business decision. Inclusive events reach wider audiences, build stronger brand loyalty, and open up new markets. I’m proud to help launch an event that goes beyond talk, one that proves inclusion isn’t just ethical, it’s profitable. This is more than a show; it’s a catalyst for a stronger, fairer, and future-proof events industry.”

Primark will discuss how launching their adaptive clothing range has influenced the way they plan both internal events and those for the public.

Captioning supports everyone, not just those who rely on it.

Accessibility should be part of the experience from the start.  That’s why MyClearText, leaders in real-time Human and AI captioning will be providing live Human captions throughout the event to support deaf, those with hearing loss, neurodivergent attendees and all the other audiences that benefit from live captioning.

“High-quality live captioning isn’t a nice-to-have at events; it’s essential. We’re proud to be part of the team launching the Accessible Events Show.  We want to show everyone how good-quality captioning and inclusive event planning can transform every event, engaging and including everyone.”

Orla Pearson, Managing Director and Founder at MyClearText and AccessLOOP

A venue that walks the talk

The event will be hosted at The Drum, Wembley, a venue recognised for its accessibility credentials. With step-free access, Changing Places facilities, accessible parking bays, and disability awareness trained staff, it provides the ideal setting for an event that’s all about breaking down physical and cultural barriers in the events industry.

Cllr Mili Patel, Deputy Leader, Brent Council highlighted the importance of hosting this event at The Drum Wembley for the first time:

“We’re incredibly excited for The Drum Wembley, our flagship venue within Brent Civic Centre, to host the first-ever Accessible Events Show. As a council we are committed to inclusive events, we understand the challenges organisers face, and we know that with the right support, they can be overcome. The Accessible Events Show will be a game-changer for the events industry, and we look forward to welcoming everyone who attends.”

What to expect at the Accessible Events Show:

• Opening keynote from Shani Dhanda
• Primark’s accessible events journey
• Panel discussions on inclusive design, working with suppliers, and the lived experiences of disabled people
• Venue tours of The Drum’s accessibility features
• Networking and exhibition with suppliers of accessible event solutions

Get involved

Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025

Venue: The Drum, Wembley, London

Website: www.accessibleeventsshow.com