Liverpool’s Accessibility for All Forum returns this summer with special guest Paralympian

Liverpool City Region is strengthening its position as an accessible and inclusive destination as it hosts the second Accessibility for All Forum on 29 June organised by Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership.

Located inside the M&S Bank Arena at Liverpool Experience Campus, this year’s event features one of the UK’s most recognisable Paralympians and broadcasters, Ade Adepitan MBE, whose involvement brings national profile, credibility and energy to the region’s accessibility ambitions.

Returning in a larger conference format for 2026, the forum will bring together visitor economy businesses, transport providers, event organisers and accessibility experts to explore how the region can “Get Event Ready” ahead of a series of major international events.

These include the Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival in May 2027, the Tour de France Grand Depart in July 2027, Wheelchair Basketball European Championships in September 2027 and UEFA Euro 2028 in June of that year.

The event will move beyond the question of why accessibility matters and instead focus on what visitors with accessibility requirements want from their trip, how venues can collaborate to create seamless journeys, and the practical solutions available to help organisations become best-practice leaders in accessibility.

Ade Adepitan MBE, who will host the Accessibility for All Forum and facilitate the discussion panels, said:

“Liverpool has a long history of welcoming people from all over the world, and it’s brilliant to see the region putting accessibility at the heart of its future.

“With some of the biggest sporting events on the horizon, this is a huge moment to show how inclusive, ambitious and forward-thinking the city can be.

“I’m proud to be part of this forum because when accessibility is done well, it transforms the experience for disabled people and creates a better, more enjoyable journey for every visitor.

“Liverpool has the passion and the drive to set a new benchmark, and I’m excited to help champion that.”

Accessibility for All Forum will feature two discussion panels that are being curated to discuss issues around accessibility in detail:

Level Playing Fields: Ensuring Accessibility Across Events

This panel will take a broader strategic view of accessibility and inclusion, exploring how national policy, funding priorities and growing expectations around inclusive design are shaping the future of sport, events and the visitor economy.

Panellists include David Clarke OBE (CEO, Paralympics  GB), Clare Briegal MBE (Chair of Sport Liverpool Board and Sports Representative for the LCRDP Board) and Paralympic Athletes Amy Truesdale MBE and Ben Quilter. 

The Cornerstones of Success: Enhancing the Visitor Experience

This will consider the full visitor journey—from pre-booking and transport to accommodation, attractions and dining.

This panel will explore how events, sport, culture and major programmes across Liverpool City Region are shaping the local visitor economy – and what this means for businesses welcoming a growing number of visitors with lived experience of disability.

Panellists include Niamh Parrington (Eureka), Rio Booth (para-athlete and content creator) and Christopher Massam (Accessibility Lead Everton Stadium).

Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:

“Liverpool City Region has built a strong reputation for delivering world-class, inclusive events, and we’re proud to be pushing that ambition even further.

“This forum is about giving businesses the practical tools, insight and confidence to meet the needs of every visitor.

“With major sporting events on the horizon, now is the moment for our visitor economy to come together, learn from experts and lived experience, and ensure our region continues to set the standard for accessibility.”

Tickets for this year’s Accessibility for All Forum can be secured here.

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