Accessibility
EAA: More EU bureaucracy, or launchpad for wider thinking?
PAUL COOK ASKS,‘ WHAT’ S THE POINT OF THE EUROPEAN ACCESSIBILITY ACT?’
I s the European Accessibility Act( EAA) just another piece of legislation adding to the burden of event and hospitality professionals, or could it be something more interesting?
The EAA became law on 28 June 2025. To the events sector, it means that if you’ re hosting or supplying services to an event in the European Union, regardless of where you’ re based, you’ ll be affected.
Micro-enterprises( under 10 employees and sub- € 2m annual turnover) are generally exempt, but some member states may impose additional requirements.
Member states set their own levels of fines and penalties for noncompliance, and these levels vary. For example, in Italy, there’ s a limit on fines, but in Ireland, they can also impose imprisonment. Check out the relevant member state for full details in each case.
The EAA requires products and services to be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. In the meetings sector, key areas include websites and mobile apps. They must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines( WCAG).
E-books and e-readers must support assistive technologies like screen readers. E-commerce platforms need to ensure accessible navigation and transactions. Vendors and partners need to demonstrate that they meet accessibility requirements.
Sounds like yet more legislation, but the EAA is also a launchpad for wider thinking.
David O’ Coimin, founder and creative director, Nook Event Pods, says he’ s encouraged to see the European Accessibility Act( EAA)“ bringing long-overdue attention to accessibility in events and venues. Yet, as a framework, it remains limited when it comes to neuroinclusive design.”
The Act, indeed, focuses on functional access( digital ticketing, information clarity, payment systems), but it does little to address the sensory and cognitive barriers that can affect the real-world experience of attending conferences, exhibitions, and large gatherings.
To deliver on the spirit of the EAA and create events that are genuinely welcoming, O’ Coimin says,“ Organisers need to look beyond compliance and embrace neuroinclusivity: calm spaces, sensory-friendly wayfinding, predictable expectations, and environments that reduce overload for neurodivergent attendees. Doing so doesn’ t just serve one group; it improves the experience for everyone.”
The number of people with a disability or condition of some kind shouldn’ t be ignored. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 1.3 billion( or 1 in six) people experience significant disability.
Alistair Turner, author of the annual IBTM World Trends Report, agrees with O’ Coimin:“ I do believe we ' re seeing a sea change in the way event organisers are looking to deliver to their audiences. Accessibility legislation provides a stick, while the move towards audience growth and event impact, often overlooked, is the carrot.”
Building an event with accessibility baked in changes the approach and enables an all inclusive strategy. Turner says:“ It ' s an exciting time for event designers approaching events this way. They’ ll reap the benefits from an inclusive event that becomes real, be they practical, emotional, or in terms of purpose and values. Delegates will form closer ties to the event, brands will be seen as supportive, and teams will be more engaged. It’ s certainly the way forward.”
The EAA I see as less of a stick than a yellow brick road of guidelines, leading not to a wizard but to many more opportunities for those who see this as a positive intervention rather than a tick box exercise. n
ISSUE 139 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 51