Diversity, equality, and inclusion at events, conferences, and trade shows are no longer the exception but the rule. With companies striving to incorporate attendee inclusion, it’s important that their AV partner can support their goals at every touchpoint. Here’s how Tallen uses audio-visuals to infuse DEI events with assistive technologies, accessible layouts, inclusive content, and neuro-inclusive strategies.
DEI Events: Assistive Technologies
Event planning involves more than selecting speakers and venues; it’s about creating an engaging experience and communicating a message all attendees can access. While event planners handle many aspects of DEI for their events, there’s plenty your AV provider can do to help. By using assistive technologies, we can make the content more accessible for attendees, enriching their experience along the way.
For instance, we can embed closed captioning in pre-produced video content and implement Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) captioning for live and virtual broadcasts. We also make certain assistive listening devices available for those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Post-event, we offer downloadable transcripts and video streaming in alignment with The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for digital platforms.
To enhance the content for audience members who have low vision, we deliver audio descriptions, alt text on images, and screen reading to assist comprehension of non-verbal content. Another helpful amenity we offer is an enhanced IMAG projection, allowing on-stage content and speakers to be magnified.
But we don’t stop there; closed captioning and listening assistance can translate language, making the event’s message available to multilingual audiences. Effectively communicating your event’s message is the main goal, and Tallen’s robust technological capabilities ensure that the message reaches and resonates with every attendee, regardless of their needs.
Accessible Staging and Layouts
ADA requirements for hotels and event venues can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Selecting a facility that is entirely wheelchair accessible, has braille on signage, and allows service dogs is essential for setting DEI events up for success. Tallen’s creative team weaves artistry and logistics during the pre-production phase. We craft stage designs, lobby layouts, and seating arrangements to create a comfortable environment for every guest. Walkways widen, stages include wheelchair ramps, and seating is assembled to facilitate mobility. By making these adjustments, your AV partner can modify your venue’s landscape so it’s simpler to navigate and more seamless.
Inclusive Content
Part of building DEI into your event program is to use inclusive language and visuals. Here are some ways your AV partner can support these goals:
Language for verbal or written content
- Use gender-neutral terminology.
- Use people-first language that avoids descriptors.
- Avoid jargon, slang, or idioms.
Graphics and Visual Content
- Choose visuals that represent a range of demographics, including different ages, races, abilities, and bodies.
- Avoid tokenism by using graphics of real people within the organization or customer base.
Humans have an instant cognitive response to pictures and words, instinctually melding them until there is meaning to derive. The speaker may be telling one story, but the language and visuals tell another, so it’s important to be mindful of their potential impact and approach content with sensitivity.
Neuroinclusive Strategies
In September’s blog, we shared a handbook on embedding neurodiverse inclusion in events. “An Event Professional’s Guide to NeuroInclusion” is a fantastic resource for event professionals who need effective methods to help neurodivergent attendees have a positive experience. Here are a few of the handbook’s AV strategies that Tallen uses to reduce exclusion:
- Present visual and text content on a single-color, cream, or pastel background with dark lettering that is concise and clear.
- Represent information with infographics and diagrams when possible.
- Provide content-consumption options (in-room, post-event, on-demand).
- Provide pre-event online content for adequate processing and consumption time.
- Design resilience and recovery spaces that are muted in color and are quiet.
- Create a softer lighting design and give fair warning if potential triggers like flashing or strobe lights will be activated later in the program.
- Avoid red-colored light or design elements and opt for non-stimulating colors like calming blue, green, pink, and brown shades.
The Audio-Visual DNA of DEI
When it comes to DEI events, pre-event planning is paramount. The more your AV partners know, the better they can design an inclusive experience for your attendees. By utilizing audio-visual elements effectively, Tallen can amplify underrepresented voices and foster equitable participation, making DEI a behavior rather than a performance.
Upgrade Future DEI Events by Partnering With Tallen
As a diverse company, Tallen understands how DEI boosts morale and cultivates teamwork. Choosing vendors and suppliers that reflect inclusive values demonstrates your organization’s commitment to DEI. Visit us online to learn more about how our capabilities make all your event attendees feel welcome.