Dr Shani Dhanda Strengthens Role in the Global Events Industry
Leading accessibility and inclusion advocate Dr Shani Dhanda has officially become a partner of The Business of Events, the global think tank and advocacy network, while also joining the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events. Her appointment marks another significant step in promoting inclusive practices and accessibility standards across the meetings, events, and live experiences industry.
Widely recognised for her work in championing disability inclusion and equal opportunities, Dr Shani collaborates with organisations across multiple sectors to help create more accessible environments and embed long-term inclusive practices into their operations.
Building on the Success of the Access All Areas Initiative
Dr Shani’s new roles follow her recent collaboration with The Business of Events and ICC Wales on the Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap initiative. The programme focused on identifying practical solutions to improve accessibility standards throughout the events industry while encouraging organisations to adopt more inclusive planning and delivery strategies.
The initiative explored real-world challenges faced by disabled attendees and professionals, highlighting opportunities for venues, organisers, suppliers, and policymakers to create events that are accessible to everyone.
Her continued involvement reflects the growing importance of accessibility as a central priority within the global events sector.
Driving Industry-Wide Conversations on Accessibility
As a globally respected speaker, broadcaster, and accessibility campaigner, Dr Shani Dhanda will continue contributing to policy discussions and industry-wide conversations focused on inclusion and accessibility.
Throughout her career, she has shared international stages with influential figures including Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, using her platform to advocate for diversity, disability inclusion, and equal opportunities.
Through her partnership with The Business of Events and membership in the APPG for Events, she will help shape conversations around future policies, industry standards, and practical solutions that encourage greater accessibility across conferences, exhibitions, meetings, and live events.
Co-Founder of the Accessible Events Show
In 2025, Dr Shani Dhanda co-founded the Accessible Events Show, a dedicated platform designed to bring together event professionals, venues, suppliers, accessibility specialists, and disabled people to encourage meaningful collaboration and practical change.
The initiative focuses on improving how events are designed, planned, and delivered, ensuring accessibility considerations become an integral part of event management rather than an afterthought.
By connecting industry stakeholders with people who have lived experience, the Accessible Events Show aims to inspire innovation and create measurable improvements across the sector.
The Business of Events Welcomes Dr Shani’s Expertise
A spokesperson from The Business of Events praised Dr Shani’s contribution to the Access All Areas campaign and highlighted the value of her ongoing involvement.
According to the organisation, her work with ICC Wales demonstrated both the progress already being made and the significant opportunities that still exist to improve accessibility standards across the industry.
The spokesperson also expressed confidence that her expertise and practical experience will make an important contribution to policy development and wider sector discussions through both her partnership role and participation in the APPG for Events.
Dr Shani Dhanda Emphasises Practical Industry Action
Commenting on her new appointments, Dr Shani Dhanda highlighted the importance of practical, industry-led initiatives in creating lasting improvements in accessibility.
She explained that working on the Access All Areas project with The Business of Events and ICC Wales reinforced the need for collaborative action and meaningful engagement across the sector.
Dr Shani also expressed her enthusiasm for continuing this work through her new responsibilities, stating that she looks forward to contributing to conversations and initiatives that help make the events industry more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Speaking at The Business of Events Policy Forum
As part of her ongoing involvement, Dr Shani will also participate in The Business of Events Policy Forum in July, where she will present findings from the Access All Areas initiative alongside ICC Wales.
Her presentation will contribute to wider discussions surrounding the future of inclusive events policy, accessibility standards, and best practices for creating welcoming and equitable experiences for attendees, exhibitors, suppliers, and professionals across the industry.
The forum is expected to provide valuable insights into how policymakers and industry leaders can work together to remove barriers and improve accessibility throughout the events ecosystem.
A Positive Step Towards a More Inclusive Events Industry
Dr Shani Dhanda’s appointment as a partner of The Business of Events and member of the APPG for Events reinforces the industry’s growing commitment to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.
By combining advocacy, policy engagement, and practical collaboration, her work continues to encourage meaningful change and inspire organisations to place accessibility at the heart of event planning and delivery.
As the events industry evolves, initiatives such as Access All Areas and the Accessible Events Show are helping build a future where conferences, exhibitions, meetings, and live experiences are designed to be truly inclusive and accessible for all participants.
