A congress attendee is standing at an information counter to register. Two other attendees are chatting next to them in a relaxed posture. All are wearing business attire. VIECON – Vienna Congress & Convention Center.

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Events & Meetings

Events must be accessible not only physically but also acoustically and visually, so that all guests can participate.

Core Requirements

SeatingIntegrate wheelchair spaces into the regular seating layout — not positioned separately
Hearing supportProvide and clearly mark an induction loop
LightingBright, even, and glare-free, adapted to the room size
AccessMake the stage or podium accessible

Practical Tips

Plan seating flexiblyReserve at least 1% of seats as wheelchair spaces in different areas of the room — not isolated or in the back row. A companion should always be able to sit directly alongside.
Increase comfortProvide additional chairs with armrests. These make sitting down and standing up easier and are appreciated by many guests.
Make hearing loops visibleDisplay the induction loop symbol prominently (at the entrance, on the website) and test the system regularly. For temporary events, keep portable loop systems available as an alternative.
Ensure good intelligibilityEnsure sufficient, glare-free lighting. This supports lip-reading and improves orientation in the room.
Use technology consistentlyUse microphones even in smaller groups. This improves speech intelligibility for everyone and is essential for deaf guests.
Plan for interpretersAt public events, designate a suitable position with good visibility for sign language interpreters and offer this service proactively where needed.
Ensure accessible accessIf steps lead to the stage, offer alternative solutions such as ramps or mobile platforms and coordinate with speakers in advance.