Sinéad and her team provided critical perspective and insight in helping us to make our first Soho Summit more accessible. From that experience, Tilting the Lens continues to shift the paradigm in the ways that we define accessibility internally, shining light on varied communities and identities. They have been intentional in considering the uniqueness of our business, adding invaluable expertise, as they suggest new ways of looking at uncommon challenges. And they do it all so thoughtfully – not by wagging a finger, but by equipping us with insight that proves how these solutions are better for everyone.
Enhancing accessibility at Soho Summit
Creating a new benchmark for accessible events.
Client
Soho House
Date
April 2023
Sectors
- Hospitality
- Media and Entertainment
Project Team
Project overview
Soho House, a members’ club who also operate hotels and restaurants globally, held its first-ever Soho Summit in April 2023 and brought Tilting the Lens onboard to create a new benchmark for accessibility for the annual event.
The festival of ideas ran over two days and featured talks with actors and fashion designers, discussions with sustainability experts, and screenings with auteur filmmakers. During the event there were also immersive art experiences, participatory workshops, and gala dinners.
Soho House’s partnership with Tilting the Lens aimed to make sure that the Soho Summit was as accessible as possible and intentionally inclusive for everyone who attended.
The challenge
The organisers of Soho Summit wanted to ensure that disabled people could participate and engage fully with the event, with specific accommodations in place for those who are Deaf, Blind or low vision, neurodivergent, and others with disabilities.
This meant making sure that the content at the event – such as films, talks, and imagery – was available in multiple formats, to ensure flexibility and suitable for everyone, and of course, that the physical space itself was accessible.
The approach
Teaming up with Tilting the Lens, Soho House implemented several key measures to enhance accessibility throughout Soho Summit, and to cater to a wider range of attendees.
- Physical descriptions: Panellists and facilitators at the Soho Summit offered physical descriptions of themselves before starting their presentations or discussions. This was particularly beneficial for those who are Blind or low vision, detailing participants ethnicities, backgrounds and outfits.
- BSL interpreters: British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters were present at every talk, ensuring that Deaf attendees had equal access to the event’s content and discussions.
- Ramps and handrails: The main stage of Soho Summit was equipped with ramps and handrails, ensuring that those with physical or mobility disabilities could access the stage comfortably and safely.
- Subtitles for cinema screenings: To cater to attendees with hearing loss, all cinema screenings at the Soho Summit were accompanied by subtitles. This simple yet impactful measure ensured that everyone could enjoy the cinematic content without barriers.
Outcome and impact
The collaboration between Soho House and Tilting the Lens yielded several measurable results, transforming Soho Summit into a benchmark for accessible and inclusive events. By embracing accessibility measures, the event not only catered to disabled individuals but also set an example for the broader events industry.
Soho Summit has continued to champion accessible events, including the following Soho Summit in Los Angeles, where many of our recommended accessibility features have continued to be implemented. ASL interpreters for the talks, ramps and handrails on the main stage, and closed captioning for all cinema screenings. They also encourage panellists, facilitators, and leadership to begin their engagement with a visual description of themselves.
The success of Soho Summit’s accessibility strategy highlights the importance of collaboration to create inclusive events. By partnering with accessibility experts, organisations can unlock the potential to create environments where everyone can participate, lead, drive conversation, engage, and thrive.
