Registration Opens for Accessible Events Show USA

ARLINGTON, VA, September 18, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Registration has opened for the Accessible Events Show USA, the only event in the world dedicated to accessibility in the events industry. This move comes at a critical time, as one in four U.S. adults lives with a disability, according to the CDC. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has mandated that state and local governments bring their websites and apps up to WCAG 2.1 AA standards starting in April 2027, a requirement that extends to the vendors and contractors who serve them. This makes accessibility a compliance issue for much of the events industry, not just a values statement.

The Accessible Events Show USA aims to fill the gap left by the current state of event accessibility. American organizers have already made significant progress, with captioning increasingly standard, access statements becoming routine, and more teams budgeting for accommodations before they are asked. The show builds on this momentum by delving into practical details such as how to write an access statement that people can act on, how to brief a captioner, what to budget for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, how to test a registration flow, and how to run a hybrid room where the online audience is not an afterthought.

The event will also cover areas organizers ask about most and find least documented, such as designing events that work for neurodivergent attendees. This includes quiet rooms, sensory planning, predictable schedules, and clear wayfinding. The show will also address building emergency procedures and evacuation plans that account for every attendee, a critical but often overlooked aspect of event planning.

The Accessible Events Show launched in London in 2025 and drew 600 delegates from more than 15 countries. In its first year, it took the EN Awards Diversity & Inclusion Award and a Silver at the Cool Event Awards for Disruptor Attitude, two honors very few debut events have won in the same year. Catherine Grinyer, co-founder of the Accessible Events Show and Director of Attendable, expressed excitement about bringing the event to the U.S., stating, "Bringing the Accessible Events Show to the U.S. is an exciting opportunity to grow the conversation around event accessibility internationally. We want to give event professionals practical ideas, knowledge, and connections that will help them create more inclusive experiences, and to showcase the people and organizations already doing brilliant work in this space."

Hiral Bhatt, co-director of the Accessible Events Show USA, added, "U.S. organizers are starting to prioritize accessibility, but there's still a real gap in knowledge and awareness, and that's exactly the gap Accessible Events Show is perfectly positioned to close. We're looking forward to working closely with the UK team to help make American events truly accessible and inclusive. Whether you're planning a small internal meeting or a major conference, we invite you to join us, virtually or in person, and be part of that shift."

The Accessible Events Show USA will take place on December 4, covering topics such as digital accessibility, hybrid production, assistive technology, and WCAG conformance through keynotes, panels, and hands-on workshops. Speakers will include accessibility experts, event organizers, and disabled professionals sharing their lived experiences. A sponsor showcase will connect planners directly with captioning providers, ASL interpreters, and accessible design consultants.

Super Early Bird pricing ends on September 30. Book your in-person seat or claim a free virtual pass at www.aesusa.org/registration.