Accessibility in Practice: Insights from AAVS

While research highlights the ever-present accessibility gap within the events industry, AV professionals are often the ones working behind the scenes to address these challenges in real time. For Absolute Audio Visual Solutions (AAVS), accessibility is fundamentally about ensuring every delegate can engage equally with the event experience.

“Making sure every attendee and delegate need is catered for equally is key. This can range from improving engagement, understanding of products and services, or just ensuring everyone can attend and interact with those in attendance.” – The AAVS Team

According to the House of Commons Library, 25% of the UK population have disabilities. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) reports that one in three UK adults are deaf, have hearing loss, or suffer from tinnitus (RNID, 2025a). An estimated 2.4 million adults in the UK struggle to hear most conversational speech due to various hearing issues (RNID, 2025a). These statistics show that accessibility considerations at events are incredibly important.

However, accessibility can be particularly difficult to achieve in busy exhibition environments. According to AAVS, seminar theatres on exhibition floors often struggle to accommodate delegates with mobility, sight, or hearing impairments due to limited space and quick session turnaround times. While conferences are often better equipped with accessibility features such as hearing loops and ramps, exhibition environments frequently lag behind.

The Overlooked Challenge of Audio

Clear audio is one of the most important yet often overlooked elements of accessibility at events. In noisy exhibition halls, background noise and poorly specified sound systems can significantly impact how delegates engage with content.

“The ability to hear clearly is a core component of any event. Ambient noise or poorly spec’d PA systems can affect how much information delegates retain and how confidently they can interact with presenters.” – The AAVS Team

While microphones and loudspeakers are standard, they are not always sufficient for delegates who struggle to hear in high-volume environments. Careful audio system planning can significantly improve accessibility for all attendees.

Technology Enabling Inclusive Events

Event technology is increasingly helping organisers address these challenges.

Assistive listening systems (ALS) help people who struggle to hear audio in difficult environments and noisy places (RNID, 2025c). One of these systems is a hearing loop, also known as telecoil (t-coil). Loop systems are usually fixed to a certain area that delegates need to stay within to receive the audio, suitable for situations where delegates do not need to move around too much (RNID, 2025c). Tools such as live captions and providing information in British Sign Language (BSL) can offer important support for attendees with different needs.

In exhibition environments, AAVS has also seen the benefits of wireless audio technology, like Silent Conference headphones. “Silent Conference headphones allow users to control their own volume and reduce ambient noise so they can focus on the presentation,” they explain. “It also allows nearby exhibitors and visitors to continue conversations without disruption.” – AAVS

This level of control can be particularly valuable for delegates with hearing challenges or those who find busy environments overwhelming.

Event technology is increasingly helping organisers address these challenges through various Assistive Listening Systems (ALS):

“It also allows nearby exhibitors and visitors to continue conversations without disruption,” AAVS explains. This level of control is particularly valuable for those who find busy environments overwhelming.

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