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    Blog Accessible events in Berlin – Opening doors together

    Berlin makes accessible events possible – with certified venues, inclusive services and best practices for events that welcome everyone.

    20.08.2025

    Malai Brüser Online Marketing Managerin

    Two people are on stage during an evening programme.

    Why accessibility in Berlin’s events scene is more than just a trend

    Berlin welcomes everyone – unconditionally. Whether it’s conferences, congresses or creative fringe programmes: the capital city shows what true inclusion looks like. Here, accessibility is not the exception – it’s the rule. Events are designed to be inclusive from the outset – regardless of how participants travel, which venue they visit or what the programme entails. 

    Berlin creates spaces where no one is left out

    Picture this: you want to attend a congress, make new connections and take away fresh insights – but the very first step at the entrance to the venue becomes an insurmountable obstacle. This is a reality for many people with disabilities. Out of over 101 million people with disabilities in Europe, eight million live in Germany. 

     

    Berlin acknowledges this reality – and takes action, including through the initiative “Berlin barrierefrei”. As Europe’s leading MICE industry hub, the city creates spaces where no one is left out. Because accessibility means far more than ramps and lifts. It’s about participation – thoughtful, respectful and on equal footing. 

    A group of young people in the beer garden at the Eierhäuschen, including one person in a wheelchair, on a sunny day

    Berlin as a stage for inclusive encounters – the Special Olympics example

    A powerful example: the Special Olympics World Games 2023. For the first time, the world’s largest inclusive sporting event took place in Germany. More than 7,000 athletes with intellectual or multiple disabilities travelled from over 180 countries. Accompanied by family members, friends and carers – united by a Berlin that was ready. In addition to key venues such as the Olympiastadion, Berlin already had a wide range of locations and event spaces in 2023 that supported the inclusion of people with physical or intellectual disabilities. Many of the city’s top museums and attractions, as well as a large number of venues and conference hotels listed in the Berlin Convention Finder, are also accessible. The message is clear: Berlin sets international standards for inclusion. 

    Many female athletes can be seen at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games. They appear joyful and enthusiastic

    Where research meets practice: Berlin leads the way in the MICE industry

    An international study by the BestCities Global Alliance also confirms: accessible events are a major topic for the future – and Berlin is playing an active role. Together with project partners “Rehabilitation International” and “Gaining Edge”, successful examples from around the world were collected.

    The findings of the research study "Universal Accessibility in Meetings" outline how destinations around the globe can meet the needs of people with disabilities through innovative solutions and adaptations, offering concrete guidance for making the events industry more inclusive. Berlin stands out with a wide range of measures showing how inclusion can be actively advanced.

     

    A city that thinks accessibly – every day

    In Berlin, accessibility doesn’t stop at the conference table. Berlin’s accessible hotels are certified as part of the nationwide “Reisen für Alle” initiative. The annual Berlin Inclusion Award honours companies that employ or train people with severe disabilities. Other key developments include the city’s mobility act, its new public toilet concept, the Round Table on Accessibility, the Public Transport Plan 2019–2023, the pilot project “Fahrgastinformation akustisch”, and the recently published guideline for promoting “Inklusionstaxis”. 

    Your idea – our shared journey

    Contact us

    Want to plan an event in Berlin that leaves no one behind? You’ve come to the right place. The team at the Berlin Convention Office is here to support you – from the first idea to successful delivery. Personally. Committed. 

    Berlin Convention Finder

    To find the right hotel, the best service provider or a standout event venue in Berlin, take a look at our Berlin Convention Finder.

    More about inclusive and diverse events

    How can an event be designed to be inclusive and diverse from the very start? From accessible information materials to inclusive language and communications, and from gender-neutral to accessible toilets – there are many aspects to consider. Learn how to prioritise diversity and accessibility in your event planning.