Event organisers who operate in the European Union or provide digital services to EU-based attendees will be required to comply with new accessibility regulations from June 28, 2025, under the European Accessibility Act (EAA). The legislation applies to any business offering ticket sales, event bookings, or digital services to residents of EU countries, regardless of where the business is based.
The EAA sets legal requirements for digital accessibility to ensure that people with disabilities can access websites, mobile apps, booking systems, and other digital content. The law is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, which outline four core principles: content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. This means that websites must include text descriptions for images, captions or transcripts for videos, readable colour contrasts, and predictable navigation that works across various devices and assistive technologies.
According to 2023 figures, around 101 million people over the age of 16 in the EU live with a disability, representing 27 percent of the population. In the UK, the number stands at 16.1 million, or 24 percent. Organisers who fail to meet accessibility standards risk excluding a significant portion of their potential audience.
While the UK is no longer bound by EU law following Brexit, similar legislation is expected, and many other regions already enforce digital accessibility standards. The EAA still applies to non-EU organisers if they market or sell to attendees in the EU.
Businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual turnover or balance sheets below €2 million are exempt from the new requirements.
However,any new website or digital service introduced to the market after 28 June must meet the necessary criteria. Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to €500,000, legal action by individuals, ongoing daily penalties, and reputational damage.
For products and services already on the market before June 28, 2025, companies have until June 28, 2030, to make them fully compliant.
Organisers are advised to begin by auditing their websites for accessibility issues, reviewing design elements like colour contrast, ensuring all media and documents have appropriate text alternatives, and testing user journeys with a variety of assistive tools. An accessibility statement outlining the organisation’s compliance status and a method for users to report issues should also be published and easily accessible.
The responsibility for compliance remains with the organiser, even when using third-party platforms or services. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and early steps such as improving form labels, registration flows, and key event information can significantly reduce barriers for users.
Organisers are encouraged to conduct user testing with individuals who have disabilities to better understand real-world challenges. Professional accessibility consultants can also provide guidance and conduct reviews to help ensure compliance.
With the EAA coming into effect in June 2025, accessibility is not only a legal requirement but a step toward broader audience inclusion and more equitable event experiences.
