Accessibility is no longer a marginal issue. In a society that embraces diversity and promotes equality, events must increasingly be designed in such a way that they are accessible to all people. But what does this mean in concrete terms for the event industry? And how can accessibility be implemented professionally?
Why accessible events are more than ramps and lifts
Accessibility is a holistic concept. It encompasses far more than just step-free access to the venue. Anyone planning for accessibility thinks about people with different physical, sensory or cognitive impairments – and their perspectives.
Accessibility means that information, communication, orientation, infrastructure and content are understandable and usable for everyone. This applies to registration as well as to the guidance system in the building or the design of the stage program. Those who plan early on not only avoid unwanted exclusions, but also increase the quality and reach of their event.
Technical implementation: accessibility as part of the event technology
Opus Technologies presented its Aura by Opus system at Prolight + Sound 2025.
- Inductive hearing systems for people with hearing aids, for example in stage areas or lecture halls
- Sign language interpreters who are integrated via appropriate camera and screen technology
- Real-time written interpretation via displays or projections
- Audio description via headphones for blind and visually impaired people
- Accessible websites and mobile event apps in accordance with the WCAG standard (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
One particularly promising advance in the field of accessible audio technology is the introduction of Auracast™ Broadcast Audio. The new Bluetooth technology makes it possible for event venues to send audio signals simultaneously to any number of receiving devices – such as smartphones, hearing aids or cochlear implants. For events, this means that visitors with hearing impairments can receive the stage action at an individually adjusted volume and sound quality – without the need for additional receivers. Especially in complex acoustic environments such as trade fairs, lecture stages or live concerts, Auracast opens up a new dimension of inclusive audio transmission. Venues that invest in this technology early on are sending a strong signal for inclusion and sustainability. Opus Technologie presented this new broadcasting standard and its technology at Prolight + Sound 2025.
In particular, hybrid events open up new potential for barrier-free communication, for example through selectable subtitles, alternative language channels or digital accompanying materials in plain language.
Location, logistics, guidance system: What organizers should pay attention to
If you are planning an accessible event, you should select the venue accordingly. Criteria include
- Stepless access from parking spaces to the event room
- Automatic door openers, ramps or lifts
- Accessible sanitary facilities
- Easy-to-read signage and clear routing – ideally supplemented by tactile or acoustic guidance systems
- Seat reservations for people with limited mobility and their companions
Not to be underestimated: Access to the catering area, checkrooms or exhibitor stands should also be possible without obstacles. Planning offices and technical service providers can provide decisive impetus here to help shape structural or logistical solutions at an early stage.
The Aktion Mensch has compiled a checklist on how events can be designed to be acessible (German site and PDF).
Fair Frankfurt: encounters without barriers
Messe Frankfurt is one of the largest trade fair venues in the world and also sets standards for accessibility at major international events. Under the motto “Encounters without barriers“, the company provides a comprehensive range of services that enables visitors with physical disabilities to enjoy a smooth visit to the trade fair – and offers organizers planning security.
Stepless through the terrain – with the Via Mobile
A man in a wheelchair crosses a barrier-free connecting corridor at Messe Frankfurt.
At the heart of the barrier-free access is the covered “Via Mobile” guidance system, which connects the most important halls of the exhibition grounds via moving walkways, elevators and moving walkways. The connection can be walked and driven on without steps throughout and protects visitors in all weathers. Even large distances on the exhibition grounds can be bridged comfortably.
Accessible sanitary facilities with Euro key system
All exhibition halls have disabled-friendly sanitary facilities with sufficient space, grab rails and emergency call systems. These are accessible with the Euro WC key commonly used in Europe. If this is not available, the hall staff will be happy to help. The central location of the WC facilities also ensures short distances.
On-site mobility: wheelchairs, scooters and parking facilities
Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to borrow for visitors who are dependent on mobility aids. These can be borrowed for a deposit at the entrance or at the Operation & Security Center (OSC). It is advisable to make a reservation by telephone at in advance to ensure availability and models that fit perfectly.
Accessibility has also been taken into account when it comes to getting to the exhibition grounds: Messe Frankfurt offers dedicated parking spaces for people with walking disabilities, including at the North Gate and in the Rebstock multi-storey parking lot. From there, shuttle buses and short routes provide step-free access to the exhibition grounds. Anyone who requires assistance or would like to arrange barrier-free access in advance can contact the central contact point directly.
Ticket regulations and accompanying persons
Visitors with a disabled pass with the “B” mark are granted free admission to events for their accompanying person. This regulation applies both to trade fair events and to events in the adjoining Festhalle. Proof must be presented when purchasing tickets or at the entrance.
Accessibility in the Festhalle Frankfurt
The historic Festhalle Frankfurt, part of the exhibition grounds and often the venue for concerts and gala evenings, is also largely barrier-free. Special wheelchair spaces are available in the interior. However, access to the upper tiers is restricted for structural reasons: there are no elevators to the grandstand seats on the first and second tiers. Anyone wishing to use the barrier-free seats on the first floor should indicate this when booking.
Personal contact and barrier-free orientation aids
Messe Frankfurt’s dedicated service offering for people with disabilities is particularly helpful: A trained service team is available at the e-mail address barrierefrei@messefrankfurt.com and by telephone on +49 69 7575-6999 for all queries, special requirements and individual travel plans.
In addition, the trade fair offers barrier-free site plans for download, which contain important information on routes, access, toilet facilities and services – also in digital form for mobile use on site.
Communication and language: breaking down mental barriers
A barrier-free walk: A blind visitor with a companion on the grounds of Messe Frankfurt.
An accessible event starts with the invitation. Texts in plain language, clear pictograms and alternative formats such as audio versions or sign language videos can help to reach more people.
During the event, the moderator should think inclusively: gender-equitable language, greetings in sign language or the deliberate mention of accessible offers promote the feeling of being welcome. Digital accompanying media, such as accessible PDFs or screen-reader versions of programs, can also make a big difference.
Legal foundations and social responsibility
The legal framework sends a clear signal: With the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG, link in German) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, inclusion is not just a wish, but an obligation. DIN 18040 defines technical standards, while BITV 2.0 ensures digital accessibility.
For the event industry, this means that accessibility is increasingly becoming a tender requirement. Public clients, but also companies and NGOs, are focusing on inclusive events that take social diversity seriously.
Good planning pays off – economically and in human terms
Accessible events are not automatically more expensive – they are better thought out. Many measures can be implemented cost-effectively through forward-looking planning. At the same time, the target group is growing: people with disabilities, their relatives, senior citizens, people with temporary disabilities – they all benefit from inclusive concepts.
In addition, there is the image gain: those who break down barriers demonstrate social responsibility and position themselves as a modern, inclusive brand.
Accessibility as a future topic in the event industry
Barrier-free events are not a “nice-to-have”, but a quality feature of future-oriented event planning. From technical implementation and spatial accessibility to communicative design – the requirements are complex, but solvable.
Prolight + Sound sees itself as a platform that makes trends in event technology visible. Accessibility is undoubtedly one of them. After all, events can only develop their full potential if they are accessible to everyone.
