Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

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Accessibility Checklist for Your Event

By Bree Pagliuso|

This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we are taking a moment to reflect on what true inclusion means and why it matters.

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Why Accessibility Matters? 

At MCEC, accessibility is about more than opening doors. It is about opening conversations, ideas, and opportunities. 

When events are designed with accessibility in mind, something powerful happens. Conversations get richer. Ideas get bigger. Events become more meaningful because they include voices and perspectives that might otherwise be left out. 

Designing for accessibility does not just benefit people with disabilities. It often creates better, clearer, and more flexible experiences for everyone. 

As a venue built on impact, sustainability, and community , we are committed to investing in both our spaces and our digital platforms to make accessibility a given, not an afterthought. 

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From event-day services to digital experiences, we are making it easier for every organiser to plan an accessible event and for every delegate, speaker, and visitor to participate fully. 

Here’s a checklist to help you open more doors, create better experiences, and make sure everyone not only feels welcome but can truly enjoy and be part of your event. 

The best part? 

You are not on your own. We are here to help you navigate every stage, backed by incredible partnerships and real-world experience. 

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Accessibility Checklist (Plain English version)  

1. Plan for Accessibility Early 

  • Set clear goals to make your event welcoming for everyone. 

  • Plan for things like Auslan interpreters, captions, hearing loops, sensory rooms and wheelchair hire. 

  • Think about providing all-gender toilets, Changing Places facilities and prayer rooms. 

  • Talk to people with lived experience and include their ideas in your planning. 

2. Share Accessibility Information Early 

  • Put clear information about accessibility on your event website and registration forms. 

  • List what you have, like quiet rooms, help for assistance animals, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program and Travellers Aid support. 

  • Give people a clear contact person if they have questions about accessibility. 

3. Make Your Website and Online Platforms Inclusive 

  • Add closed captions to videos. 

  • Offer Auslan interpretation if you can. 

  • Make sure people can move around your website easily using a keyboard. 

  • Provide an accessible menu where users can adjust font size, contrast and stop animations. 

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4. Make Your Venue Easy to Get Around 

  • Provide step-free access to all areas, including stages and breakout rooms. 

  • Offer wheelchair hire and make sure walkways are clear and smooth. 

  • Create quiet rooms and sensory spaces. 

  • Install hearing loops and provide paper towels instead of noisy hand dryers. 

  • Use clear signs to show where Changing Places toilets, hygiene bins and assistance animal relief areas are located. 

 5. Train Your Team and Speakers 

  • Teach your staff, volunteers and contractors simple ways to support accessibility. 

  • Train speakers to describe any visuals they use and to speak clearly. 

  • Run a short workshop to help your team feel confident supporting guests with different needs. 

 6. Make Dining Inclusive 

  • Offer tray service and use counters that are easy to reach. 

  • Plan menus that meet different dietary and cultural needs. 

  • Provide extra help at meal times if needed. 

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7. Make it Easy to Find Your Way Around 

  • Work with services like Travellers Aid to help guests with wayfinding and mobility. 

  • Use clear, easy-to-read signs with good contrast. 

  • Share simple maps and directions before the event. 

 8. Welcome Assistance and Companion Animals 

  • Accept Companion Cards so carers can attend for free.  

  • Allow assistance animals in all areas of your event. 

  • Provide relief areas and water stations for them. 

  • Train staff to understand how to support guests with both visible and hidden disabilities. 

 9. Ask for Feedback and Keep Improving 

  • Ask guests for feedback on accessibility before, during and after your event. 

  • Celebrate what went well and look for ways to do even better next time. 

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A Place for Everyone 

From hosting the Australian Disability Network IMPACT Conference to welcoming the INSAR Annual Meeting, we have seen firsthand how thoughtful, inclusive design can transform the way people experience events. 

It is something we are passionate about and something we are building into everything we do. 

Our digital platforms are designed with accessibility at their core. They offer automatic live speech-to-text transcription, closed captions in over 100 languages, Auslan interpretation channels, keyboard-friendly navigation, and customisable accessibility menus, all built in at no extra cost. 

This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we are proud to keep pushing for more. Creating events where everyone feels welcome is not just important; it is essential. 

Through our Accessibility Action Plan , we are making tangible progress towards a more inclusive future. 

Explore how we can help you bring accessibility into your next event. 

 

Enquire now

Interested in hosting your next event at MCEC? Find out more about how we can bring your event to life.

Reach out to the team