Wales is taking the lead in driving national change on accessibility, as new research led by ICC Wales and The Business of Events reveals that 93% of disabled people continue to face barriers when attending events across the UK.
Launched in Barcelona at IBTM World, a global event for the meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry, the landmark report – Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events – highlights a major disconnect between what venues believe they are providing and what attendees actually experience.
Supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events, it calls for urgent sector-wide action and positions ICC Wales as a benchmark for inclusive event delivery.
Drawing on insights from more than 1,000 attendees and 100 UK venues, the research found that nearly one in three event-goers identifies as having a visible or non-visible disability. Of those, 93% reported encountering barriers to participation, including inaccessible layouts (28%), lack of accessible toilets (24%), untrained staff (25%), overstimulating environments (27%), and missing accessibility information (17%).
While most venues believe they are meeting standards, the report shows a persistent gap between perception and reality – particularly in staff training, communication, and inclusive design.
ICC Wales, based in Newport, is highlighted in the report as an example of best practice for embedding accessibility into its operations and culture. The venue offers step-free access throughout, gender-neutral facilities, sensory-friendly environments, and disability awareness training for all staff. Importantly, it does not charge organisers for accessibility features, which the report notes remains a widespread issue across the UK.
Craig Bingham, Managing Director of ICC Wales, said:
“Accessibility must sit at the heart of every event – and at ICC Wales, it genuinely does. We’re proud to be leading this conversation from Wales and demonstrating that inclusion and commercial success go hand in hand.
“Inclusive design should be a baseline expectation, not a bolt-on or a budget decision. Our approach is about removing barriers before they arise, and ensuring everyone can take part fully and comfortably. That’s what makes events truly successful – for people, businesses, and communities.”
Mike Fletcher, Director of News & Content at The Business of Events, added:
“This research shows that ICC Wales is setting a powerful example for the rest of the UK. Accessibility isn’t just a moral responsibility – it’s an economic one. Inclusive venues attract a wider range of events, build stronger reputations, and help position Wales as a world-class destination for business tourism.”
Accessibility expert Dr Shani Dhanda, who contributed to the research and authored the report’s recommendations, said:
“This research deserves real applause – it’s not just a report, it’s a rallying cry for progress. The first of its kind, it shines a light on a truth we can no longer ignore: accessibility is still too often seen as optional, when in reality, it benefits everyone.”
She added:
“The findings call for bold, lasting change. The time for quick fixes and reactive adjustments is over. Accessibility must be woven into every stage of design and delivery. By listening to those with lived experiences, embedding inclusive thinking, and striving for continuous improvement, the UK events industry can set a global benchmark for true inclusion.”
The report also outlines ten practical recommendations and a clear pathway to compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which came into force in June 2025.
