According to the latest ICCA (International Conference & Convention Association) research published in spring 2023, one of the recently added asks from international associations is the inclusion of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity into the requirements of a conference host city.

In addition, new research by disabled access charity Euan’s Guide shows that 72% of disabled people have found accessibility information on a venue’s website to be misleading, confusing or inaccurate. When responding to the 2022 Euan’s Guide Access Survey, 74% of participants reported having experienced a disappointing trip or having had to change plans due to poor accessibility.

It’s clear that first-hand experiences and peer-to-peer reviews are a trusted source of information for disabled people when planning their visit.

To respond as a city, Glasgow Convention Bureau partnered with AccessAble and the Royal College of Nursing to launch the city’s first access guide for conference organisers and delegates.

Glasgow’s AccessAble online resource gives delegates with access requirements detailed information on over 60 venues and services across the city, including the Scottish Events Campus and on-site hotels, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, visitor attractions and the Universities of Glasgow, and Strathclyde. The audit of these hotels and venues enables delegates to search the facilities and services available at each site; such as whether hearing loops are available, the standard light levels, counter heights, ramps and clarity of written information available on signs and menus.

The Glasgow Convention Bureau AccessAble guide: https://www.accessable.co.uk/glasgow-convention-bureau

Access for all is a key pillar of Glasgow’s Sustainable Tourism and Conference Action Plan because more conference organisers and meeting planners are keen to ensure their meeting is inclusive. This was acknowledged by the local hosts of the World Science Fiction Convention, confirmed to the SEC Glasgow in August 2024.