Inclusive Event Planning: Accessible In-Person & Hybrid

Plan accessible, inclusive in‑person, hybrid, and virtual events—venues, content, comms, catering, and compliance.

What you’ll learn
Use Universal Design to plan inclusive events across formats
Audit venues for physical, sensory, and cognitive accessibility needs
Build accessible hybrid/virtual events with captions, WCAG-ready platforms, and recordings
Create inclusive programming with diverse speakers and accessible presentation standards
Plan inclusive catering and cultural/sensory supports (quiet rooms, prayer spaces, labels)
Communicate accommodations clearly in marketing, registration, signage, and staff scripts

Requirements
There are no pre-requisites for this course

Description
Have you ever walked into an event and instantly felt like you didn’t belong? For many attendees, that feeling comes from avoidable barriers—unclear communication, inaccessible venues, non-inclusive content, or digital platforms that don’t work with assistive technology.And the expectations are rising fast. Studies show that 87% of attendees consider diversity and inclusion important when deciding whether to attend an event. Inclusion is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a strategic advantage and, in many regions, a legal requirement.So how do you plan events where everyone can participate fully—whether your event is in-person, virtual, or hybrid?That’s exactly what this course will teach you.In this practical, step-by-step course on Inclusive Event Planning, you’ll learn how to design events using Universal Design principles and how to build accessibility into every stage of the attendee journey—from registration to post-event follow-up.In this course, you’ll learn how to:- Apply Universal Design to prevent barriers before they appear- Plan for physical, sensory, and cognitive accessibility (not just ramps)- Select and audit accessible venues, routes, seating, signage, and amenities- Build sensory supports like quiet rooms and low-stimulation spaces- Make hybrid and virtual events accessible with captions, interpreters, and WCAG-aligned platforms- Create inclusive content with diverse speaker lineups, accessible slides, and flexible session formats- Plan catering and cultural considerations (dietary needs, religious norms, non-alcohol options)- Communicate inclusion clearly through marketing, registration, staff training, and accessibility pages- Understand baseline compliance expectations (e.g., ADA, Equality Act, and WCAG)- Learn from real-world examples and a case study (BNA Festival of Neuroscience)By the end of this course, you’ll have a clear framework and a practical checklist-driven approach to plan events that welcome more people, reduce risk, strengthen engagement, and reflect your organization’s values—without relying on last-minute accommodations.Whether you’re organizing a conference, internal training, offsite, fundraiser, or community event, this course will help you design experiences where people don’t just attend—they belong.

Who this course is for
Event planners and event coordinators
HR, People Ops, and DEI/DEIB professionals supporting employee events
Internal communications and employee engagement teams
Learning & Development (L&D) teams running trainings and workshops
Marketing teams producing conferences, launches, and brand events
Nonprofit and community organizers hosting public events
Conference producers managing hybrid and virtual programs
Venue managers and vendor partners who support accessible event delivery