An annual GainingEdge-hosted event at IMEX Frankfurt and the theme this year is Accessibility and Inclusion in the Meetings Industry.
The recently released EIC Futures Landscape Study 2025 found that 67% of industry professionals rank Accessibility as either Very Important or Extremely Important for the future of events. At this year’s IMEX Frankfurt, we are honoured to have 3 industry leaders – Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau; Barcelona Convention Bureau; and Edinburgh International Conference Centre – share their efforts to include, and expand, audiences and their events experience.
Inaccessible events mean lost audiences and lost opportunities.
Programme
| 8.15am onwards | Arrival of guests, Networking coffee and tea |
| 8.30am | Welcome and Preamble by Gary Grimmer, Executive Chairman of GainingEdge Participants self-introduction |
| 8.45am | Session 1: Abu Dhabi’s Accessibility Manual Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has introduced an accessibility manual, creating accessibility standards for venues and events based on international practices. This Manual is one of the initiatives that falls under the Universal Access Pillar, one of the pillars of Abu Dhabi’s People of Determination Strategy, which ensures all facilities, experiences, services are inclusive for all. By: Speaker from Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (name to be confirmed). |
| 8.55am | Session 2: Making Barcelona Parkinson’s Ready In 2023, leading up to the 6th World Parkinson Congress, the World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) teamed up with the Associació Catalana per al Parkinson (Catalan Parkinson’s Association) and the Barcelona Turisme Convention Bureau to launch the Parkinson Ready Barcelona program. More than 300 individuals including the Catalan Police, Barcelona Police, fire fighters, airport security and staff, hotel staff, taxi drivers, were trained to welcome WPC delegates living with Parkinson’s. By: Mònica García, Association Meetings Manager, Barcelona Convention Bureau |
| 9.05am | Session 3: Edinburgh ICC: Neurodiversity in Events The EICC has worked with the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) and Welcome Brain Consulting to launch the Neurodiversity in Events Checklist, which provides clear, accessible steps to help event organisers create neuroinclusive events. It is estimated that 20% to 40% of the global population are neurodivergent individuals, so it is imperative we understand the importance of inclusivity in event planning. By: Carron Webster, Assistant Director of Sales, Edinburgh International Conference Centre – EICC |
| 9.15am | Q&A |
| 9.30am | Thank you to speakers and participants. IMEX starts at 1000hrs. |