The Accessible Events Show (AES), a conference focused on accessibility and inclusive event experiences, will make its U.S. debut on December 4, 2026, at the United Way Worldwide headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, with a simultaneous online experience for attendees worldwide. The event arrives as new federal web accessibility requirements take effect, compelling event professionals to prioritize compliance.
Originally launched in London in 2025, the show attracted 600 delegates from more than 15 countries and earned industry recognition for its impact on diversity and inclusion. Performedia is now producing the first U.S. edition, which will bring industry leaders together to explore how accessibility can be integrated into every stage of the event journey, from planning and registration to live production, digital engagement, and post-event content.
The timing aligns with significant regulatory changes. According to the CDC, one in four U.S. adults lives with a disability, and a new Department of Justice rule requires state and local governments to bring their websites and apps up to WCAG 2.1 AA standards starting April 2027. This mandate extends to vendors and contractors, making accessibility a compliance issue for much 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 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 also be available online, allowing remote participants to join from anywhere. The virtual experience will include live captions, multilingual support, sign language interpretation, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and interactive engagement features designed to make the program accessible to every attendee.
More information is available at www.aesusa.org. Registration details, speaker announcements, and sponsorship opportunities will be released in the coming months.
