Making an event a barrier-free one means providing comfort and convenience for one and all.
And the MICE industry is finding itself right in the middle of this trend. When planning a special event, inclusion should be a key aspect from the very start, because barrier-freedom means much more than merely offering your guests a ground-level entrance to the venue. Service, event information and event promotion are equally important issues when planning and performing a truly barrier-free event.
Accessibility applies not only to persons with physical or cognitive disabilities; it is a topic that concerns all of us, providing added value for everyone. It is always an advantage when an event venue is able to offer its visitors an escalator or an elevator, when there is ample parking nearby, or even better, right outside. Further important factors include offering adequate lighting, signposting and, depending on the type of event, a “boost mode” for PA systems and similar audio-technologies. Simple, easy-to-understand event information is also of importance and a great advantage. Last but not least, think on this: Features that facilitate accessibility and inclusion are also features that promote comfort and convenience, and may therefore be advertised and promoted as such, to the benefit of the event’s organisers as well as its guests.
Easy arrival and departure by road, rail or air are as important as having green spaces available nearby for guide dogs, ample wheelchair space in halls and auditoriums, and sign language interpreters on hand when needed, for example.
With its many benefits, such as its compact size, convenient traffic and transport connections and diversified event infrastructure, Frankfurt is well capable of satisfying the many different requirements of handicapped event participants. In fact, the city is known to be very accommodating when it comes to serving the needs of disabled persons. It has, for example, been hosting “SightCity” – a trade show presenting the latest assistive devices for the blind and vision-impaired – since 2003.
The many proprietary fairs of Messe Frankfurt are of course all well equipped to meeting accessibility requirements. For example, persons accompanying holders of disability passes with the letter “B” written on the front are granted free entry to the fairgrounds, while wheelchairs and scooters are freely available for a security deposit of fifty euro.
Meanwhile, the vast majority of Frankfurt hotels offer wheelchair-accessible rooms to handicapped guests, the leading hotel being the MOXY Frankfurt East with 20 such specially designed guest-rooms.
Frankfurt also has countless recreational opportunities for guests with physical or cognitive constraints. Almost all of our city tours are stepless, and there’s also a special tour entitled “Feeling Frankfurt” for blind and vision-impaired guests. This tour lets participants experience the metropolis on the River Main with their other senses. Lastly, it’s also possible to book a sign language interpreter for persons with hearing disabilities, if so required.
The vast majority of Frankfurt’s sightseeing attractions are easily accessible to handicapped persons. Many institutions also feature special offers for the disabled. The Historical Museum Frankfurt is particularly recommendable, having been recently renovated and reopened with special emphasis on inclusion and accessibility.