Image description: Orla Pearson, Shani Dhanda and Catherine Grinyer, from left to right, seated together on the AES stage.
The Accessible Events Show USA, set for Dec 4, 2026, at United Way Worldwide headquarters in Alexandria, VA, and streamed online, now has registration open.
ALEXANDRIA, VA, UNITED STATES, September 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ —
The need this event addresses
The scheduling is purposeful. One-quarter of U.S. adults have a disability, the CDC reports, and beginning in April 2027, a DOJ regulation mandates that state and local governments bring their websites and mobile apps into compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This requirement also extends to the vendors and contractors serving those entities, making accessibility a regulatory matter for a large segment of the events sector, not simply a moral commitment.
The Accessible Events Show USA was created to bridge that gap. Planners in the United States have already achieved notable strides; captions are now more common, access statements appear with greater frequency, and more teams are setting aside funds for accommodations before being asked. This conference builds upon that progress by exploring practical specifics: drafting an actionable access statement, briefing a captioning provider, determining a budget for ASL, testing a registration system, and operating a hybrid environment where the online audience is never an afterthought.
Additionally, the event covers the topics event professionals ask most about and find least covered. Creating experiences suited for neurodivergent participants, including quiet spaces, sensory planning, predictable schedules, and clear directional signage. It also tackles emergency protocols and evacuation plans that consider every attendee, an area that remains one of event planning’s most overlooked risks.
Proven in London
The Accessible Events Show debuted in London in 2025, attracting 600 participants from over 15 nations. During its inaugural year, it earned both the EN Awards Diversity & Inclusion Award and a Silver at the Cool Event Awards for Disruptor Attitude, two honors few debut events have achieved in the same year.
“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. I’m really looking forward to learning from the U.S. events community and building a platform that can create lasting change.”
— Catherine Grinyer, Co-founder, Accessible Events Show, and Director, Attendable
Designed for the U.S. marketplace
The response from London made a U.S. edition the clear next step. The American show retains the same structure and the same level of quality, with a schedule adapted for American planners and regulation requirements in the United States.
“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.”
— Hiral Bhatt, Co-Director, Accessible Events Show USA
About the agenda
On December 4, the Accessible Events Show USA will focus on digital accessibility, hybrid production, assistive technology, and WCAG conformance, delivered through keynote speeches, panel sessions, and hands-on workshops. Presenters include accessibility specialists, event planners, and disabled individuals sharing their lived experiences. A sponsor exhibition will connect planners with captioning firms, ASL interpreters, and consultants specializing in accessible design.
About Accessible Events Show
AES is the world’s only event built completely on top of accessibility within the events sector. Even more distinctly, it was founded by insiders in the industry: Shani Dhanda, one of the UK’s highest-profile disability advocates; Orla Pearson, a top innovator in event accessibility and Co-Founder of AccessLOOP; and Catherine Grinyer, a recognized leader in accessible event design and Co-Founder of Attendable.
Register now
Super Early Bird rates are available only until September 30. Book an in-person seat or a free virtual pass at www.aesusa.org/registration
Sponsorship
Would you like your brand visible to the event professionals shaping accessible experiences? There are still a few sponsor and exhibitor opportunities left. Get in touch by email or go to www.aesusa.org/sponsorship
Stay updated on AES USA
LinkedIn: @aesusaorg
Instagram: @aes.usa
YouTube: @aesusa
Shreyas Datir
Accessible Events Show – USA
+1 703-994-6000
contact@aesusa.org
