Hosting Accessible and Inclusive Events

Most Australians enjoy seeing live music or sport. That feeling of excitement when the lights go down, the crowd starts screaming and your favourite artist takes to the stage, or your favourite player scores a goal right before your eyes.

Imagine your disappointment when you can’t see anything, the elevated platform that was supposed to be accessible has been taken over by photographers and you are left feeling like the hundreds of dollars that you spent on your ticket was a waste.

Accessibility Issues at Events

Lack of accessibility for concert tickets and sporting events has been making waves in the media this year. Disability advocates have been trying to pursue ticketing sites (like Ticketek and TicketMaster) and hold them accountable for their unfair ticket purchasing processes. Patrons reported experiencing poor visibility in the accessibility section as well as lack of choice of seats when initially booking tickets – being confined to a small section of a venue without any choice of where they may like to be seated.

Ticketek issued a statement early in 2023 stating they are “…committed to making the purchase experience of people living with disabilities easier. To achieve this we are currently investing in a significant development project which will include the launch of a digital accessible ticketing platform…”. Unfortunately for eager concert and event goers, Ticketek has not yet implemented this project.

Missing Out

Amy and Rebecca Evans have called out not only the ticketing company, but the Melbourne Cricket Ground where the Taylor Swift Eras tour is due to be held in early 2024. The Evans’ sisters both use motorised wheelchairs and ventilators, requiring accessibility seating for themselves and their carers. As avid concert goers and Taylor Swift fans, they were keen to purchase VIP tickets to enjoy the experience and atmosphere. When contacting Ticketek, they were met with disappointment and told that it could not be guaranteed that VIP tickets would be accessible.

Amy explained in an interview with Pedestrian TV, “I’ve had a lot of people commenting that they relate to my issues, as they also have struggles purchasing tickets to concerts as a wheelchair user”. Amy continued …“while this is comforting to know I’m not alone, is disappointing to hear how widespread this issue is considering how little attention the issue gets.”

Outdated Venues and Ticketing Technology

Ticketek has since created a dedicated support line for customers wanting to purchase concert and sporting event tickets. But is this enough? Venues are outdated and do not cater appropriately for accessibility, ticket purchasing technology needs upgrading and doesn’t allow allocation of accessible seats. Event promoters are also not prioritising booking venues that are accessible for all attendees.

Breaking New Ground with Accessible Music Festivals

Due to a lack of accessible venues and events, Dylan Alcott (Australian of the Year and retired Paralympian) created Ability Fest, a music festival that caters for the needs of people with disabilities. The annual festival is in its 3rd year and is popular amongst all attendees.

How to Make Your Next Event Accessible

If you are hosting an event, no matter the scale, accessibility is important for all attendees. The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) have created a resource to assist in planning an accessible event. This resource has considerations for event planning (including choice of venue and accessible promotional material), distribution of presentation materials (ensuring accessibility across multiple platforms) and on the day considerations (accessible maps, paths, and facilities). These simple considerations can make the day comfortable, accessible, and suitable for everyone.