Planning events has always been about creating brilliant experiences for your audience. But from June 2025, there’s an extra piece of the puzzle for those running events in or for audiences across the EU. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is now in effect, and it’s here to make sure products and services – including digital ones like event streaming – are accessible to everyone. Even if you’re based in the UK, the chances are you’ll have attendees, viewers or customers in the EU at some point, so it’s worth knowing what this means for you. The good news? With a little planning, and the right event partner, it’s not as daunting as it sounds.
Understanding the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The EAA, an EU Directive (2019/882), became law across all EU member states on 28 June 2025. Its aim is to remove barriers for people with disabilities, creating consistent accessibility standards across the EU. It covers a range of services and products, including websites, streaming platforms, booking systems and more – all of which are key to delivering successful modern events.
What This Means for UK Event Organisers
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, UK organisers still need to comply if they are offering services to people in the EU. That could mean selling tickets, providing a livestream, or offering downloadable content. UK law already has accessibility requirements, but aligning with EAA standards can help avoid duplication and keep you ahead of the game.
Accessibility When Streaming to UK and EU Audiences
If your event is going online, especially as a hybrid or fully virtual format, think about:
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Booking and event websites – should meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards (and ideally WCAG 2.2). This covers things like colour contrast, alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and compatibility with screen readers.
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Captions and subtitles – live captions for streams and subtitles for recorded content are a must for accessibility, and a great way to make your content easier to follow for everyone.
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Audio description – for visually impaired attendees, providing an additional commentary track can make your content far more inclusive.
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Platform choice – check that your streaming platform meets EN 301 549 accessibility standards.
Why Compliance Matters
Making your event accessible goes beyond ticking a legal box – it’s about creating a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone. At Stream7, we recommend building accessibility into your plans from day one. That starts with event websites and booking systems that are easy to navigate with a keyboard, compatible with screen readers, and designed with clear layouts and strong colour contrast. It includes offering content in multiple formats, such as recordings with captions, downloadable slides, and audio description where needed. And it means working with an AV partner who can integrate accessibility features into every part of your in-room and streamed experience, so no one is left out – wherever they’re joining from.
Steps You Can Take Now
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Audit your digital assets – review websites, booking systems and streaming platforms against WCAG guidelines.
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Prioritise quick wins – adding captions, improving colour contrast, and ensuring your site is navigable by keyboard are all effective starting points.
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Train your team – make accessibility part of your planning process from day one.
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Test with real users – nothing beats feedback from people with lived experience.
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Keep improving – accessibility isn’t a one-off job, it’s an ongoing process.
How Stream7 Can Help
We can support you through the whole process, whether your event is in the UK, Europe or reaching audiences worldwide. Our team can:
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Assess your platforms and streaming setup for accessibility compliance
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Provide captions, audio descriptions and accessible content formats
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Recommend and integrate compliant streaming platforms
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Work alongside your team to embed accessibility into your event delivery
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Monitor and maintain accessibility for ongoing or repeat events
Planning Ahead with Accessibility in Mind
Accessibility should never be an afterthought – it’s an opportunity to create events that truly welcome and engage every attendee, wherever they are. The European Accessibility Act is a timely reminder that inclusion needs to be built into every stage of event planning, from your first concept through to the post-event follow-up. By taking proactive steps now, you not only stay ahead of legal requirements, but also open your events to a wider audience and show your commitment to doing things right.
If you’re planning an event that will reach audiences in the UK, Europe, or beyond, our team at Stream7 can help you make it both compliant and compelling. Whether you need an accessibility audit, advice on accessible event streaming platforms, or full production support that integrates features like captions, audio description and inclusive design, we’re ready to work with you. Get in touch today to start planning an event experience that everyone can be part of.
