Inclusivity at Live Events: Making Every Guest Feel Welcome
Live events should be for everyone, but too often, accessibility and inclusivity feel like an afterthought. Whether it’s a festival, conference, or gig, no one should have to struggle just to enjoy the experience. The good news? Small, thoughtful changes can make a huge difference in making all guests feel welcome. From step-free access to quiet spaces and inclusive food options, here’s how to create an event where everyone can join in and have a great time.
Prioritise Physical Accessibility
Guests with mobility challenges should be able to navigate your event with ease. This means ensuring:
Step-free access to all areas, including entrances, stages, and seating sections
Clearly marked accessible routes and well-maintained pathways
Designated seating areas for wheelchair users with unobstructed views
Accessible toilets that are easily reachable from all parts of the venue
On-site transport solutions like shuttle services or golf carts for large-scale venues
Enhance Communication Accessibility
Not all attendees experience events in the same way, so it’s essential to provide multiple communication formats:
Live captioning or subtitles for presentations, speeches, and performances
Sign Language interpreters at key sessions or performances
Clear, large-print signage with high contrast for better readability
Pre-event information in accessible formats such as braille, audio descriptions, and easy-to-read guides
Ensure Sensory Considerations
For guests with sensory sensitivities, small adjustments can make a huge difference:
Designated quiet zones where guests can take a break from noise and crowds
Providing ear defenders or earplugs for attendees who may need them
Advance information on sensory elements (e.g., strobe lighting, loud music) so guests can prepare accordingly
Flexible entry and exit options to accommodate those who may need to leave and return without restrictions
Promote Inclusive Policies and Training
Creating an inclusive event starts with your team - how they approach and support guests sets the tone for everyone’s experience.
Train all event staff and volunteers in disability awareness and inclusive customer service.
Develop clear policies on diversity, equality, and inclusion, ensuring that all attendees feel valued and respected.
Implement a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination or harassment, with clear reporting procedures.
Offer Diverse Food and Beverage Options
Catering should reflect the diverse dietary needs of your audience:
Clearly label food options for allergens, religious dietary requirements, and preferences (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher)
Ensure that food stations and table heights cater to wheelchair users
Provide easily accessible drinking water stations throughout the venue
Use Inclusive Marketing and Ticketing
Your approach to promoting and selling tickets should be as inclusive as the event itself:
Offer a range of ticket options, including companion tickets for carers
Clearly communicate accessibility features in advance so guests can make informed decisions
Provide multiple booking methods (online, phone, in-person) to cater to different needs
Encourage Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Inclusivity is an ongoing process, and the best way to improve is to listen:
Create multiple feedback channels (surveys, social media, direct emails) for attendees to share their experiences
Regularly review policies and adapt based on feedback to ensure continuous improvement
An inclusive event is a successful event. By prioritising accessibility and making conscious efforts to accommodate all guests, organisers can create spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and fully able to participate. No matter the event size, type or industry, inclusivity should be at the heart of the experience.
With a bit of planning and a focus on inclusivity, live events can be enjoyable for everyone - because no one should have to miss out.
