The Accessible Events Show (AES), the global conference dedicated to accessibility and inclusive event experiences, will hold its first U.S. edition on December 4, 2026, at the United Way Worldwide headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, with a simultaneous online experience. The event arrives as new federal web accessibility requirements take effect, making compliance urgent for event professionals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four U.S. adults lives with a disability. A new Department of Justice rule mandates that state and local governments bring their websites and mobile apps up to WCAG 2.1 AA standards starting April 2027. This mandate also applies to vendors and contractors serving these entities, extending accessibility compliance across a broad swath of the events industry.
"Event planners across the U.S. keep asking us the same thing: How do we make our events truly accessible? The appetite for practical guidance is real, and the new federal rules make it urgent," said Peter Hackes, President of Performedia, the producer of the show.
The Accessible Events Show launched in London in 2025, attracting 600 delegates from more than 15 countries and earning industry recognition, including the EN Awards Diversity & Inclusion Award and a Silver at the Cool Event Awards for Disruptor Attitude. The U.S. edition aims to replicate that impact by bringing together industry leaders to explore accessibility across every stage of the event journey, from planning and registration to live production, digital engagement, and post-event content.
The conference will feature panels, keynotes, and hands-on workshops covering digital accessibility, hybrid production, assistive technology, and WCAG conformance. Speakers include accessibility experts, event organizers, and disabled professionals sharing lived experience. A sponsor showcase will connect planners with captioning providers, ASL interpreters, and accessible design consultants.
AES USA will be available online, allowing remote participation with live captions, multilingual support, sign language interpretation, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and interactive features designed for full accessibility. Registration details, speaker announcements, and sponsorship opportunities will be released in the coming months. More information is available at www.aesusa.org.
The show was co-founded by industry insiders, including Shani Dhanda, one of the UK's most recognized disability advocates; Orla Pearson, Co-Founder of AccessLOOP; and Catherine Grinyer, Co-Founder of Attendable.
