No Budget or No Buy-In? Rethinking Priorities in Event Accessibility

One of the most common responses we hear when discussing accessibility and inclusion at events is:

“We’d love to, but we just don’t have the budget.”

But is it really about budget? Or is it about buy-in?

No Budget vs No Buy-In

When an organiser says they have no budget, what they often mean is that leadership and senior management haven’t prioritised accessibility and inclusion enough to allocate funds accordingly.

Most events, especially those with paid tickets, exhibitors, sponsors, or large-scale funding, do have a budget. They’re investing in AV, catering, branding, and entertainment. The challenge is in how that budget is distributed.

On the other hand, true no budget situations are more common in community-run or not-for-profit events. These organisers often operate on tight margins, reinvesting net profits into supporting their cause. For them, finding external sponsorship, grants, or in-kind support is essential.

Where Buy-In Makes the Difference

The real issue for many event organisers is not the lack of money, it’s the lack of leadership buy-in. If accessibility and inclusion aren’t seen as essential, they won’t be funded.

Consider this: Events always find budget for coffee. Why? Because everyone agrees it’s a necessity. The same should apply to neuroinclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing spaces. If leadership sees them as essential, they will be budgeted for accordingly.

Rethinking Priorities in DEI and Accessibility

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should not be an afterthought or a “nice to have.” Neurodivergent and disabled attendees, speakers, and exhibitors deserve an accessible experience. Without buy-in from decision-makers, accessibility remains an optional extra rather than a fundamental part of event planning.

As we move forward, we need to stop accepting “no budget” as an excuse and start asking:

• Why isn’t this a priority?

• What conversations need to happen to change that?

• How can we show the value and impact of investing in accessibility?

Work on Buy-In, and the Budget Will Follow

Shifting the mindset around accessibility in events starts with educating leadership, demonstrating the business case, and showing the ethical and commercial benefits of inclusion.

Once an organisation recognises accessibility as non-negotiable, the budget will follow.

It’s time to challenge the status quo. Let’s move beyond no budget and start creating real buy-in for accessibility and inclusion in every event.