In 2025, Hotel Designs launched a bold new series of open discussions based on the idea of using our platform to help change the hospitality landscape for the better. Having carried out extensive research and had numerous conversations with people affected by physical disability, we quickly realised that despite good efforts, the hospitality sector was falling short in meeting everyone’s needs. We believe this is through lack of knowledge and understanding, so in doing what we do best – connecting, talking, and bringing relevant content to the hospitality design industry – we are committing ourselves to bringing valuable conversations and support to help designers, hoteliers, architects, developers (and anyone else who is keen to learn more) make hospitality spaces more inclusive.
Each talk brings together designers, architects, hoteliers, and people with lived experience to share insights, research, and practical ways to create spaces that feel both functional and fabulous. It’s not just about ticking compliance boxes; it’s about reimagining what hospitality can look like when everyone is considered from the start.
In the first talk, Why can’t luxury be inclusive?, held at the Interior Design & Architecture Summit in June 2025, the discussion tackled one of the industry’s biggest questions – why does accessibility still feel like an afterthought in luxury design? Panellists explored how true five-star hospitality means designing experiences that are seamless and elegant for every guest, regardless of ability. The conversation celebrated clever, design-led accessibility features that elevate rather than compromise style, proving that inclusivity and indulgence can absolutely share the same space.
In July, at MEET UP North, Accessibility through the lens of neurodivergence, turned the spotlight on sensory and cognitive accessibility. The talk unpacked how lighting, acoustics, textures, and spatial layouts can profoundly impact guests with ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities – and how thoughtful design can create calmer, more comfortable environments for everyone.
In October, at the Independent Hotel Show, Clear Communication: An Accessible Design Talk addressed what independent hoteliers need to do to ensure clarity over their accessible facilities and services both with their internal teams and their customers.
Together, these talks are shaping a new narrative for hospitality: one where accessibility isn’t just required – it’s celebrated. Accessible Design Talks is fast becoming the go-to platform for creative, compassionate discussions about how inclusive design can redefine the guest experience.
Accessible Design Talks 2026 – Event Partner
Accessible Design Talks part 1: The first Accessible Design Talk of 2026 took place at the Surface Design Show on 5th February at the Business Design Centre London.
Accessible Design Talks part 2: 23rd April 2026 as part of Hotel Summit meet-the-buyer event at Hilton, Canary Wharf
Accessible Design Talks part 3: 29th April 2026 as part of Hotel Designs‘ MEET UP London networking event at BOXPARK, Shoreditch
Accessible Design Talks part 4: 22nd June 2026 as part of Interior Design & Architecture Summit meet-the-buyer event at Hilton, Canary Wharf
Tickets to Accessible Design Talks part 2 & part 4 are part of our wider talks programmes at Hotel Summit and Interior Design & Architecture Summit. To access more details on Hotel Summit see here, and to access more details on the Interior Design & Architecture Summit see here.
To join us at Accessible Design Talks part 3, tickets are priced at £150+vat per person, and can be purchased here – BOOK TICKETS
If you’re keen to discuss sponsorship opportunities at our Accessible Design Talks series, please contact Katy Phillips.
Here are some more details the talks we have planned for 2026, so far:
Opening your doors to a wider market: An Accessible Design Talk – 23rd April, 2026, Hilton Canary Wharf
There is a common misconception that disabled access is for a limited number of people, and that in a hospitality space we only need to meet minimum requirements to tick the access-friendly box – but the industry is missing out on a huge market by not understanding the purpose of these spaces and the needs of so many. Our panel will tell you the small tweaks you could be making to your business that could make a big difference to your guests as well as your bottom line.
Designing for our Future Selves: An Accessible Design Talk – 29th April, 2026, BOXPARK Shoreditch
Eternal life isn’t as far fetched an idea as it once used to be… with medical advances helping us to all live longer – and research suggesting humans could live beyond 150 years in the not-too-distant future – we need to ask ourselves what the design landscape will look like to accommodate the needs of our future selves. This talk will focus on the current needs of an ageing population as well as future advances and technology used for access aiding.
Designing in the Dark: An Accessible Design Talk – 22nd June 2026, Hilton Canary Wharf
When so much of design is based on the ‘look’ of something: the lighting, the colours, the overall aesthetic, how does someone with limited sight or blindness navigate and experience hospitality spaces? What about people with hearing difficulties or deafness – is their experience diminished in hospitality settings? An intriguing panel discussion to help designers understand how they can design with touch and wayfinding in mind.
Accessible Design Talks part 1: The first Accessible Design Talk of 2026 took place at the Surface Design Show on 5th February at the Business Design Centre London.
Accessible Design Talks part 2: 23rd April 2026 as part of Hotel Summit meet-the-buyer event at Hilton, Canary Wharf
Accessible Design Talks part 3: 29th April 2026 as part of Hotel Designs‘ MEET UP London networking event at BOXPARK, Shoreditch
Accessible Design Talks part 4: 22nd June 2026 as part of Interior Design & Architecture Summit meet-the-buyer event at Hilton, Canary Wharf
Tickets to Accessible Design Talks part 2 & part 4 are part of our wider talks programmes at Hotel Summit and Interior Design & Architecture Summit. To access more details on Hotel Summit see here, and to access more details on the Interior Design & Architecture Summit see here.
To join us at Accessible Design Talks part 3, tickets are priced at £30+vat* per person, and can be purchased here – BOOK TICKETS
If you would like to learn more about the Accessible Design Talks series, please contact Katy Phillips.
Here are some more details the talks we have planned for 2026, so far:
Opening your doors to a wider market: An Accessible Design Talk – 23rd April, 2026, Hilton Canary Wharf
There is a common misconception that disabled access is for a limited number of people, and that in a hospitality space we only need to meet minimum requirements to tick the access-friendly box – but the industry is missing out on a huge market by not understanding the purpose of these spaces and the needs of so many. Our panel will tell you the small tweaks you could be making to your business that could make a big difference to your guests as well as your bottom line.
Designing for our Future Selves: An Accessible Design Talk – 29th April, 2026, BOXPARK Shoreditch
Eternal life isn’t as far fetched an idea as it once used to be… with medical advances helping us to all live longer – and research suggesting humans could live beyond 150 years in the not-too-distant future – we need to ask ourselves what the design landscape will look like to accommodate the needs of our future selves. This talk will focus on the current needs of an ageing population as well as future advances and technology used for access aiding.
Designing in the Dark: An Accessible Design Talk – 22nd June 2026, Hilton Canary Wharf
When so much of design is based on the ‘look’ of something: the lighting, the colours, the overall aesthetic, how does someone with limited sight or blindness navigate and experience hospitality spaces? What about people with hearing difficulties or deafness – is their experience diminished in hospitality settings? An intriguing panel discussion to help designers understand how they can design with touch and wayfinding in mind.
*For those who do not qualify as a designer, architect, hotelier, or developer – for example, suppliers – tickets can be purchased for £150 +VAT here. Please note that attendance is on a ‘first come’, ‘first serve’ basis.
Here are some more details the talks we have planned for 2026, so far:
Opening your doors to a wider market: An Accessible Design Talk – 23rd April, 2026, Hilton Canary Wharf
There is a common misconception that disabled access is for a limited number of people, and that in a hospitality space we only need to meet minimum requirements to tick the access-friendly box – but the industry is missing out on a huge market by not understanding the purpose of these spaces and the needs of so many. Our panel will tell you the small tweaks you could be making to your business that could make a big difference to your guests as well as your bottom line.
Designing for our Future Selves: An Accessible Design Talk – 29th April, 2026, BOXPARK Shoreditch
Eternal life isn’t as far fetched an idea as it once used to be… with medical advances helping us to all live longer – and research suggesting humans could live beyond 150 years in the not-too-distant future – we need to ask ourselves what the design landscape will look like to accommodate the needs of our future selves. This talk will focus on the current needs of an ageing population as well as future advances and technology used for access aiding.
Designing in the Dark: An Accessible Design Talk – 22nd June 2026, Hilton Canary Wharf
When so much of design is based on the ‘look’ of something: the lighting, the colours, the overall aesthetic, how does someone with limited sight or blindness navigate and experience hospitality spaces? What about people with hearing difficulties or deafness – is their experience diminished in hospitality settings? An intriguing panel discussion to help designers understand how they can design with touch and wayfinding in mind.
Accessible Design Talks 2026 – Event Partner
Venue
Boxpark Shoreditch
2 – 10 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6GY
Past Events
To purchase tickets or to discuss sponsorship
Katy Phillips
Publisher
01992 374050
To discuss editorial:
Sophie Harper
Editor, Hotel Designs
01992 374103
