So conference planning involves more than just finding a room for the right number of people and arranging catering. The accessibility of the conference venue for all the delegates is very important too.
Parking and Drop-Off
Is there dedicated accessible parking, and is there a covered drop-off point for those arriving in taxis or with mobility issues? If so, how far is it from the parking to the entrance of the venue?
Step-Free Routes to the Meeting Room
Check that there are no steps along the route from the main entrance of the venue through any corridors or through lifts to reach the meeting room(s). If there are any thresholds to cross ask if there are any heavy fire doors to pass through, as these are often easily missed by people using a mobility aid.
Hearing Loop Provision
Is there a fixed or portable hearing loop installed in the meeting room? If so, it will need to cover the whole of the room and not just part of it.
Accessible Toilet Facilities
There is more on Gloucester Hotel Conference Rooms at https://tewkesburypark.co.uk/hotel-conference-roomsgloucester/.
Catering and Sensory Needs
What kind of provision will the venue make for any delegates with special needs such as hearing or mobility impairment and will there be any quiet or alternative provision to a traditional ‘sit down and listen’ conference in meeting rooms?
Requesting an Accessibility Statement
Assessing the Gloucester conference venue with hotel facilities () that you have shortlisted should involve requesting an accessibility statement from them before they confirm your booking, as Equality Act 2010 outlines the service providers’ legal duties under the Equality Act 2010, with the requirement for them to make reasonable adjustments.
So, a few simple questions before you book that conference can save a lot of trouble.
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