Creating Inclusive B2B Events

Planning successful B2B events in 2024 requires a keen understanding of event inclusivity and accessibility. This means creating event experiences where everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported, regardless of their differences.

Planning and Design

• Venue Checklist: When selecting a venue, use a checklist to ensure accessibility features like ramps, accessible restrooms, and adequate lighting. Consider proximity to transportation and accessible parking options.
• Choose accessible venues: When selecting a venue, prioritize accessibility features and adequate lighting.
• Offer diverse speaker lineup: Ensure representation from various backgrounds, genders, and industries to foster a more inclusive environment.

Content and Engagement

• Provide captioning and transcripts: Offer pre-recorded and live content to accommodate individuals with hearing impairments.
• Use inclusive language: Use clear and concise language that is respectful of all attendees.

Technology and Tools

• Select an accessible event platform: Choose an event platform that offers features like screen readers, keyboard navigation, and alternative text for images.
• Engagement Tools: Incorporate interactive event technology like live Q&A, polls, and chat features that are accessible to all attendees. For instance, ensure your event platform supports screen readers and keyboard navigation.
• Provide event recordings: Make event recordings available after the event for attendees who may have missed certain sessions or need to revisit the content.

By embracing these strategies, you can create B2B events that are not only successful but also truly inclusive and welcoming to all.

Prioritize Accessible Communications

1. Diverse Formats: Offer materials in various formats like text, audio, and video. For example, provide transcripts alongside presentation slides and offer closed captions for video content.
2. Real-Time Support: Implement real-time translation and captioning for attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who speak different languages.

Post-Event Accessibility Matters

1. Accessible Resources: Distribute post-event materials, such as presentations and event recordings, in accessible formats.
2. Inclusive Feedback: Collect event feedback through surveys or forms that are designed to be inclusive and gather insights on how to improve accessibility for future events.

Openly Promote Accessibility

1. Clear Communication: Clearly communicate accessibility features on your event website, registration forms, and marketing materials. This helps attendees make informed decisions and feel confident about their participation.

Conclusion

Planning successful B2B events requires a keen understanding of the evolving event marketing space. Today, inclusivity is no longer optional; it’s a business imperative. To summarize, use these practical strategies to weave inclusivity into your upcoming B2B events:

Pre-Event Planning

1. Choose Accessible Venues: When selecting a venue, prioritize accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and adequate lighting. Consider offering virtual tours of the venue in advance to familiarize attendees with the layout.
2. Accessible Event Technology: Your event platform should have features like keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and closed captioning for virtual events and hybrid events.

During the Event

1. Provide Content in Multiple Formats: Offer presentations, handouts, and other materials in various formats, including large print, audio recordings, and digital versions.
2. Real-Time Captioning and Sign Language Interpreters: For keynotes and presentations, ensure real-time captioning and sign language interpreters are available.

Post Event

1. Accessible Event Recordings: Make event recordings available with captions and transcripts for attendees to review at their convenience.
2. Gather Feedback: Include accessibility-related questions in your event feedback surveys to identify areas for improvement in future events.

By embracing these strategies, you can cultivate a more inclusive environment that resonates with a wider audience and amplifies the impact of your B2B events.