Accessibility experience . Many organisers argue that having screens with captioning ( see MyClearText and KUDO ) and over-the-ear headphones helps reduce those pain points , but this doesn ’ t eliminate the uncomfortable ambience during the overall event and networking .
There are other options outside of wholesale removing carpets . Tarkett and Interface are global carpeting producers with circular carpeting options and take-back programmes . Businesses such as EventCycle and Carpet Recovery USA aim to divert waste from landfill that is still in usable conditions .
It should additionally also be the norm for venues to have carpeting on-site in neutral tones for selection instead of organisers and clients choosing bespoke colours , which renders it single-use and means it is usually removed and landfilled after each event .
Make your event easier to access Self-check-in is becoming increasingly popular to help streamline the registration process and reduce badge printing waste at events . However , the kiosks are often at one height and touch screen
Accessible events should be open to everyone computers can be at an angle that only suits someone standing . This is not feasible for wheelchair users or blind and visually impaired attendees .
To ease this pain point , consider having a physical registration team in place to assist when needed . As well as this , when designing a booth or lectern , make sure that the design is modular for comfort and to suit the potential user ’ s preference . By including a variety of heights in your booths , tables and lecterns , you avoid unintentionally alienating an attendee who might want to network with you .
Staging is also a common area where accessibility tends to be forgotten . For example , too often we see a very expensive lastminute ramp built for wheelchair users . Instead , choose to hire a stage with stairs and ramps , or have the vendor make a modular stage where the ramp can be pulled out and put into place when needed .
Additionally , chairs should always be adjustable with a back and glasses of water readily available for the speaker .
Microphones should also have a clip-on option as only some people will be able to hold them .
Make your event easier to navigate Graphics are high on the event waste list , with research conducted by isla finding that around 80 % of all textile waste is thrown away in both the US and the UK . Graphics can be difficult to reuse considering the events industry often hosts branded one-time events . Many organisers are moving to digital to reduce the amount of graphics waste , but what is often neglected is the accessibility of information when making the switch .
When looking at apps and website content for your events ask yourself : ‘ is the information easy to read through a screen reader and is it easy to navigate ?’ Often the answer will be no .
I ’ m not suggesting that we should avoid digital altogether , but organisers should pause to analyse the layout of the event and put environmentally friendly signage solutions in place . It is recommended for print and display providers switch to FSC paper , water or algae-based inks , and investigate in-house recycling solutions . Implementing these small design changes will show people that you thought about accessibility at the design stage instead of it being an afterthought or add-on .
It is completely possible to be both sustainable and accessible . The events industry gives us the opportunity to be innovative and creative with solutions that don ’ t harm people or the planet – we just need to take a moment to look at our network of suppliers to design an experience that is welcoming to all .
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 2 2023 45