Accessible Events Commitment

 

Introduction

At Sleek Events, we strive to be front runners in ensuring our events are accessible from the moment someone is invited to the moment they leave. Accessibility is not an afterthought; it is a core principle of our event design and delivery. We believe that accessibility at events should be prioritised, removing barriers wherever possible so that every participant feels welcomed and able to fully engage.

This commitment sits at the heart of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Accessibility (DEIBA) policy, which can be found here .

It is estimated that around 24% of the UK population have a visible or hidden disability (UK Parliament, 2024). Research shows that 77% of people with a disability have had to leave an event due to lack of accessibility (AccessAble, 2018). If as many as one in five attendees face barriers that cause them to disengage, this represents a significant portion of the audience whose experience is compromised. At Sleek Events, we are committed to addressing this gap.

We are also mindful of our responsibilities under:

  • The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)

  • The Equality Act 2010

  • The European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025

We take these obligations seriously and embed them into our practices, ensuring that reasonable access and facilities are provided to all who may wish to attend our events.

Scope

This commitment applies to all Sleek permanent team members and contractors.

Our Accessibility Framework

Docusign Envelope ID: B743DC72-C487-4496-9EBB-E0931ED41623

To make accessibility practical and actionable, we have structured this policy into six core pillars:

1. Communication

2. Content

3. Physical Spaces

4. People

5. Technology

6. Continuous Improvement

Communication

Clear, accessible communication ensures that attendees, suppliers, and staff have the 

information they need. Key practices include:

  • Attendee “Know Before You Go”: Clients should provide all registered attendees with logistical details including:

    • Accessible public transport nearby

    • Accessible parking, lifts, or ramp locations

    • Accessible toilet facilities

    • Quiet room availability

    • Onsite assistance contacts (e.g., Help Desk)

  • Supplier & Crew “Know Before You Go”: Sent ahead of the event, outlining logistical details for crew or suppliers with accessibility needs and information on support available for attendees.

  • Event Registration:

  • We will request accessibility requirements provided by the client from their registration platform.

  • We will provide guidance to ensure registration websites comply with WCAG2 standards, including font size, colour contrast, and screen reader compatibility.

Docusign Envelope ID: B743DC72-C487-4496-9EBB-E0931ED41623

Content

Our events are often content-driven, making it critical that material is accessible. We commit to:

  • Providing closed captions for keynote sessions and as many breakout sessions as possible.

  • Clearly communicating in advance which sessions will feature captions.

  • Including closed captions on all pre-recorded video content.

  • Using high-contrast colours and minimum font sizes on presentation slides.

  • Making digital copies of slides available post-event (where possible and compliant with data privacy policies).

  • Ensuring stages are designed to be accessible to all speakers where required. 

Physical Spaces

We work closely with venues to ensure spaces are welcoming and barrier-free. This 

includes:

  • Fully accessible routes for wheelchair users.

  • Accessible stages where required.

  • Venue staff briefed on the location of accessible toilets, drop-off points, and emergency exits.

  • Clearly signposted accessible facilities.

People

Our team and event staff are central to delivering an inclusive experience. We commit to:

  • Training our internal permanent employees and providing guidance to freelancers to support attendees and colleagues with visible and hidden disabilities.

  • Training brand ambassadors to support attendees with visible and hidden disabilities and engaging a lead accessibility host where required through a thorough onsite briefing.

Docusign Envelope ID: B743DC72-C487-4496-9EBB-E0931ED41623

  • Ensuring staff can confidently signpost accessible routes, toilets, and quiet spaces.

  • Providing assistance to visually impaired and hearing-impaired attendees as required.

  • Implementing visual interpretation or assistive technologies where needed.

Technology

Technology is a vital enabler of accessibility. We will:

  • Encourage embedding accessibility features into registration platforms and event apps.

  • Ensure compatibility with assistive technologies, such as screen readers.

  • Prioritise captioning, audio description, and other inclusive digital tools where possible.

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an evolving area. To remain at the forefront, we commit to:

  • Reviewing this policy annually.

  • Incorporating new regulations, guidance, and best practice into our approach.

  • Acting on attendee and client feedback to strengthen our accessibility measures.

  • Continuously exploring new tools and technologies to enhance inclusion.

  • Deliver annual training to all permanent team members 

Our Commitment

Sleek Events is committed to creating events that are inclusive, equitable, and accessible for all. By embedding accessibility into every stage of planning and delivery, we aim not only to meet our legal obligations but to exceed them, setting a benchmark for the industry.

We believe that accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong.

Docusign Envelope ID: B743DC72-C487-4496-9EBB-E0931ED41623

Contact

If you have any questions on this Commitment please contact Hannah Farquhar.