An accessible city for everyone

Making accessibility a priority at ISCoS 2024

In September 2024, Antwerp proudly hosted the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) Annual Scientific Meeting, welcoming over 700 professionals from around the world. This event highlighted not only Antwerp’s ability to host major international conferences but also its commitment to making sure everyone can take part. As ISCoS Conference Director Susan Hayden said: "It was like a gift from God. Antwerp was the perfect choice – 10 out of 10 for accessibility and organisation."

Antwerp: A city that welcomes everyone

With more than 40 wheelchair users attending the conference, accessibility was at the forefront of the event planning. Thankfully, Antwerp is a city that is built to welcome everyone. From easy-to-navigate public transport to a compact and walkable city centre, getting around was a breeze for all delegates.

The main event venue, A Room with a ZOO, was perfectly located next to Antwerp Central Station, making it convenient for everyone. With accessible hotels close by and a layout that meant everything was within reach, the venue was a hit. As Susan Hayden put it: "We felt incredibly supported – Antwerp’s infrastructure and venues were ideal for ensuring that every attendee felt welcome."

Collaboration with an impact

The smooth running of ISCoS 2024 was thanks to the brilliant teamwork between Antwerp Convention Bureau, VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau, Visit Antwerp, and local accessibility experts like Inter – Accessible Flanders. Together, they made sure every detail was taken care of, from transport to accommodation, ensuring everyone’s needs were met.

“However, as well-prepared as we could have been, something unexpected went wrong”. Just before the big gala dinner, the lift at the Radisson Blu Hotel’s lift broke down. This would have been a great problem for the wheelchair users attending. Luckily, local partners, including Chocolate Nation, quickly jumped in to help by making their lifts available and setting up a temporary ramp. Hayden remembers the moment fondly: "It could have been a disaster, but the way the city and local partners came together turned it into a triumph."

Towards a more inclusive future

ISCoS 2024 was not just about one event; it has set a new standard for how Antwerp approaches accessibility going forward. The city is now more committed than ever to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. As Tadeja Pivc Coudyser, CEO of ACB, explained: "We’ve learned that accessibility is not about making exceptions, but about creating an inclusive experience for everyone."

By hosting events like ISCoS, Antwerp wants to create a legacy by showing how accessibility can and should be done, making sure every visitor feels welcome and included. And with more exciting conferences on the horizon, the city is set to continue raising the bar for accessible events, making a meaningful impact on how future events are organised.