As an organisation that champions disability, it was vital for Business Disability Forum to select a venue that is both inclusive and accessible for its annual forum.
Business Disability Forum is a business membership organisation that champions disability inclusion. Each year, Business Disability Forum (BDF) takes on a theme and discusses how businesses can remove barriers for those with disabilities in the workplace and as customers. This year’s theme was ‘are you being served?’.
To ensure the event was accessible for all, the 2022 forum took place in a hybrid format on 29 June at Royal Horticultural Halls, Lindley Hall. Approximately 180 delegates joined virtually on Zoom and 70 attended in-person.
Learnings
1) Inclusion
Pre-event, the BDF created a survey which asked delegates if they wanted to attend in person or online.
Not only did this ensure the event was accessible for all, the hybrid element ensured the forum’s content was permanently available for all delegates post-event.
The event comprised of live and online speakers within the same discussions and questions both taken from the room and remotely, facilitated by the host through iPads.
To ensure the remote audience felt as included and involved as those in the room, the forum used Slido and the Zoom chat box. These elements enabled real-time questioning for online users, who were also encouraged to network through these channels.
2) Accessibility
For BDF, working with suppliers who had a focus on accessibility was key. For example, the AV technicians chosen provided online captioning on screen.
The team at the RHH also used the disability lift to create another entrance and a ramp for attendees to access the North Annexe which was sectioned off for delegates who wanted a quiet break.
