Accessibilty |
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environments, people who just want a smoother and quicker experience – everyone gains from better design. Making things clearer and more usable is a win for everyone.”
ASP is also keen to highlight that compliance is not something to be feared. While penalties for failing to meet the standards include significant fines( up to € 500,000), the company is taking a collaborative approach, offering guidance and templates, supporting audits, and encouraging realistic planning.
“ It is not about scaring people into action,” says Benjamin.“ It is about working together to get them where they need to be. We will not release any new sites after the deadline unless they are compliant. But we are also making sure our clients know what to do on their side.”
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Where to start? For organisers unsure where to start, Durkin recommends beginning with an honest review of current digital assets.
“ Start with an audit of your site. Use screen readers and keyboard navigation to test it. Look at how easy it is to fill out forms or find key event information. Check that images have descriptions and documents are tagged properly. These small improvements can make a massive difference.”
Durkin also emphasises the value of real-world user testing.“ There is no substitute for involving people who rely on assistive technologies every day. They will catch problems that you cannot see through automated tools or checklists.”
ASP sees this moment as an opportunity to reset industry standards
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Left: A colour contrast checker( offered for free by tpgi. com) can be used on websites, during app development, designing social media graphics, PowerPoint slides, PDFs or InDesign files |
around usability and inclusion. While some regions have taken longer than others to enforce digital accessibility, the direction of travel is now clear, and global.
“ There is no UK law right now that mirrors this exactly,” says Benjamin.“ But it is only a matter of time. The United States already has similar legislation. Other countries are catching up. So even if it is not legally required today in your country, it is still the right move to prepare.”
Search engine visibility is another growing reason to prioritise accessibility. Google and other platforms are placing greater emphasis on how well a site performs for all users. AI driven search tools are starting to use similar benchmarks.
“ An inaccessible website will not just lose users,” Benjamin explains.“ It may also lose visibility. Google is already ranking accessible sites higher, and that is only going to continue. So you are not just improving experience. You are improving discoverability too.”
Ultimately, Benjamin and Durkin both agree that this is not just a technical challenge. It is a cultural one.
“ Accessibility should not be an afterthought,” Durkin says.“ It should be part of your design thinking from the beginning. It is about making people feel considered, respected, and welcomed.”
Benjamin adds:“ We are not just building tools. We are helping organisers create experiences that everyone can take part in. That is what events are supposed to be about.”
With the European Accessibility Act now fully in effect, the continent’ s events sector has officially entered a new era – one that places inclusivity at the centre of digital engagement. The work may take time, but the momentum is building.
“ You cannot fix everything at once,” says Durkin.“ But you can fix something today. And that is how real change starts.” EW
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www. exhibitionworld. co. uk |
Issue 4 2025 27 |