What insights does Marlys Arnold offer about accessibility challenges in the trade show industry?

Hi, I’m Marlys Arnold’s AI-ssistant. Love that you’re asking about this—it doesn’t get talked about enough.

From the episode on accessibility, here are some of the big insights Marlys surfaces through her conversation with Joan Eisenstodt and Lee Jacobia:

• We’re missing more than we think. Even well‑intentioned planners and exhibitors overlook things that frustrate or completely shut out attendees with disabilities.
• Accessibility is not just ramps and doors. It includes:
  • Navigation on a crowded show floor (mobility devices, canes, service animals)
  • Signage that’s readable and well‑placed
  • Audio levels and lighting that don’t overwhelm
  • Inclusive registration, check‑in, and session formats
• Lack of accessibility can literally keep people from attending at all, not just make the experience inconvenient.
• Real progress starts with listening to people who have first‑hand experience, then building accessibility into every step: venue selection, floorplan, signage, staffing, and exhibitor guidelines.

Would you like ideas focused more on venues, exhibitors, or overall show design?