When ensuring you meet accessibility needs at an event, it is key to look at historical data. Looking back at previous attendees can be the start to determine the likelihood of those attendees returning. Did they need a wheelchair ramp, elevator, printed material, ASL, certain restrooms, sufficient A/V during sessions, etc? Compare all of that with the feedback you are getting. It is totally ok to engage your audience ahead of launching your event. A survey is a good idea to determine what the needs are of your audience. That advanced information can aid you in finding the right venue and vendor partners to meet those accessibility needs.

♿ Accessibility shouldn't be reactive - it should be built into planning. My rule: design for dignity, not just compliance. Start by co-creating with affected users - not just surveying. One real story from a past attendee can change a dozen decisions. Plus the word will spread. Plus buy-in. All-in-one. Also: publish your accessibility plan early. It shows commitment, not just box-checking. Food-for-though...: What’s one thing your last event missed - and how did you fix it? #EventPlanning #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveDesign #CSR #AudienceFirst #MarketingWithPurpose #EventExperience #UniversalDesign #HumanCentered #BrandReputation

When we get accessibility feedback during an event, we act fast—but with heart. We listen, thank the person, and fix what we can right away. Whether it’s a captioning delay, missing BSL interpreter, or hard-to-read slides, we stay calm, communicate clearly, and have backups ready. We also make it easy for people to give feedback quietly—by chat, text, or form. After the event, we take a hard look at what went wrong, what went right, and how we can do better next time. For us, accessibility isn’t a last-minute add-on—it’s something we build into every part of the experience, from start to finish.

Addressing accessibility feedback requires a mindset of continuous improvement and empathy. Start by listening actively—acknowledge concerns and respond with transparency. Collaborate with attendees and accessibility experts to implement real-time fixes where possible, and document feedback for post-event upgrades. Ensure your team is trained, signage is clear, and digital content is inclusive. Treat feedback not as criticism but as a pathway to building truly welcoming experiences. Accessibility isn't a checklist—it's a commitment to equity that must evolve with each event.