Making Events Accessible: Why It Matters for Everyone

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance - it’s about inclusion, engagement, and delivering better events for everyone. Whether you’re hosting an online webinar, a hybrid event, or an in-person conference, ensuring accessibility should be at the forefront of your planning.

By making events more accessible, you’re not just supporting those with disabilities - you’re creating a better experience for all attendees, improving engagement, and even increasing attendance. With the introduction of global accessibility standards like the European Accessibility Act (EAA), prioritising accessibility is no longer optional - it’s a necessity.

In this post, we’ll explore why accessibility matters for both online and in-person events, the latest legal requirements, and how streamGo helps make events more inclusive with cutting-edge accessibility features.

Why Accessibility Matters for Every Event

Accessibility Benefits Everyone

While accessibility is essential for those with disabilities, it also enhances the event experience for all attendees.

For example:

• Captions aren’t just for the hard of hearing - they’re useful for attendees in noisy environments or non-native speakers.

• High-contrast visuals improve readability for everyone, especially in low-light settings.

• Clear navigation and structured content help people with cognitive disabilities but also benefit those who are new to your website or platform.

By making accessibility a priority, you’re removing barriers and making it easier for all attendees to participate, engage, and enjoy the event.

Accessible Events Drive Higher Attendance & Engagement

Making your event easy to access and inclusive naturally attracts more attendees. When people know they can engage with content in a way that suits them, they’re more likely to register, stay engaged, and return for future events.

• Higher registration: People with diverse needs won’t be excluded, expanding your potential audience.

• Better engagement: When attendees can comfortably consume content, they stay engaged longer.

• Increased retention: Positive, accessible experiences encourage attendees to return and recommend your events to others.

From an ROI perspective, accessibility is a smart investment, making your content available to the broadest possible audience.

Accessibility & The Law: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) Explained

Accessibility isn’t just a best practice anymore - it’s a legal requirement in many regions.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which comes into full effect in June 2025, mandates that digital services - including online event platforms - must be accessible. Failure to comply could result in fines or legal action.

Key Accessibility Requirements for Online Events Under the EAA:

These standards align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 AA), which streamGo has audited and implemented across all event templates to ensure compliance.

How streamGo Ensures Events Meet Accessibility Standards

At streamGo, we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that our platform not only meets but exceeds accessibility requirements, making online events more inclusive than ever.

• Audited Event Templates – We’ve reviewed all event templates against WCAG 2.1 AA standards and the EAA directive, ensuring best-in-class accessibility.

• AI Video Chapters & Video Search – These features improve content discoverability, allowing attendees to jump directly to the sections they need, reducing cognitive load.

• Live & On-Demand Captions – Every event automatically includes captions, improving accessibility and engagement for all attendees.

• Contrast Ratio Adjustments – streamGo’s platform automatically adjusts branding elements to ensure contrast ratios meet accessibility standards, so no text or UI elements are hard to read.

• Fully Keyboard Accessible Interface – Every interactive element can be navigated via keyboard alone, ensuring that users who rely on assistive technology can fully participate.

• Seamless Mobile & Tablet Experience – streamGo events are fully responsive, delivering a consistent experience across all devices and screen sizes.

These features aren’t just about compliance - they create a more user-friendly, engaging, and enjoyable event experience for everyone.

Making In-Person Events Accessible

While online events have clear digital accessibility requirements, in-person events must also be inclusive. Here’s what to consider when planning physical events:

• Wheelchair Accessibility – Ensure your venue has ramps, elevators, and accessible seating options.

• Hearing Assistance Technology – Provide live captions or sign language interpreters for attendees with hearing impairments.

• Clear Signage & Way-finding – Use high-contrast signage with large, easy-to-read fonts to guide attendees.

• Quiet Spaces – Designate a quiet space for neurodivergent attendees who may need a break from sensory stimulation.

• Dietary Accommodations – Consider food allergies and dietary restrictions when planning catering.

Making both online and in-person events accessible ensures that everyone regardless of ability can fully participate and enjoy the experience.

The Future of Events is Inclusive

Ensuring accessibility isn’t just about following the rules - it’s about creating better events that allow everyone to engage on their terms.

With streamGo’s accessible event platform, you can:

✅ Reach a wider audience with inclusive event experiences
✅ Boost engagement and retention by providing easy-to-consume content
✅ Stay ahead of EAA and WCAG 2.1 compliance requirements
✅ Improve brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity

The future of events is accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all - and we’re here to help you make that happen!