ADA requirements for event site selection guide you toward accessible venues.

Choosing a site for an event isn’t just about space and scenery. It’s about making a welcome space for everyone, including people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or have other mobility needs. When you plan with accessibility in mind, you’re not adding hurdles—you’re removing them. That mindset is at the heart of the UHC Events Basics approach to site selection.

ADA at a glance: what really matters for events

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) isn’t about a single feature or a checklist you can mount on a wall. It’s a framework that ensures people can move through a venue, use its facilities, and participate in programs without unnecessary barriers. When you’re evaluating a site, a few elements repeatedly stand out as non-negotiable:

• Elevators or level access to all areas

If your event will span more than one floor, you’ll need a way for attendees to reach every space you plan to use. Elevators are the most common solution. Where elevators aren’t present, a venue must offer an alternative like ramped, level access that allows a person using a wheelchair or other mobility device to move between levels.

• Accessible restrooms

Restroom design isn’t a luxury; it’s part of basic accessibility. Accessible restrooms include features like wider stalls, grab bars, and appropriate sink heights, with clear pathways and mirrors that are usable from a seated position. It’s not just about men’s vs. women’s rooms; it’s about ensuring everyone can use the facilities with ease and privacy.

• Handicap parking spaces

Parking near the entrance is more than convenience—it’s accessibility. Accessible parking spaces should be clearly marked and located close to entrances, with a safe path from the spot to the building. As you’re checking a site, note how parking is organized for people with mobility challenges, including designated drop-off zones.

A feature that isn’t an ADA requirement (but still matters)

Let me explain it plainly: extra wide sidewalks are not an explicit ADA requirement. If you’re walking through the building code or the ADA Standards, you won’t find a blanket rule that says every sidewalk must be a particular width to comply. What you will find is a focus on accessible routes—paths that are usable, continuous, and free of barriers from entry to all areas you’ll use. That means the route should be navigable for someone rolling in a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or using crutches, but it doesn’t mandate sidewalk dimensions in every outdoor setting.

That said, broad, clear paths are incredibly helpful. They reduce bottlenecks, make wheelchairs easier to maneuver, and improve the overall experience for all attendees. So while extra wide sidewalks aren’t a formal ADA requirement, imagining generous, unobstructed routes is still a smart move. It’s about practical accessibility, not a rigid rulebook.

Why this distinction matters for site selection

Understanding what the ADA requires helps you separate “must-have” features from “nice-to-have” design choices. Elevators, accessible restrooms, and considerate parking are foundational. They guarantee access to space and amenities. Extra-wide sidewalks, while beneficial, aren’t a guaranteed deadline item in the rules themselves.

But here’s a helpful truth: venues that invest in thoughtful, barrier-free routes tend to deliver a smoother experience for everyone. A ramp that’s easy to navigate, doorways that stay wide enough for mobility devices, and a clear path from parking to the main space—these things reduce delays, miscommunication, and the stress that can plague events.

How to evaluate a venue like a pro

If you’re in charge of choosing a site, you can approach the process like a careful, friendly audit. Here are practical steps that keep you grounded in accessibility without turning the experience into a puzzle.

• Start with a tour focused on flow

Ask for a walk-through of the spaces you’ll use—lobby, registration area, main room, breakout spaces, restrooms, and backstage or staff areas. Observe whether paths are level or ramped, note any abrupt thresholds, and check if doors have awkward handles or thresholds that could trip someone.

• Confirm access to all areas

If your event has multiple rooms or levels, confirm there’s a reliable way to reach each space. If you’re considering a multi-floor venue, ask about elevator availability during the event, maintenance periods, and how crowd flow will be managed if an elevator is temporarily out of service.

• Check the bathrooms and changing needs

Accessible restrooms aren’t a nice-to-have; they’re essential. Look for clear signage, grab bars, accessible sinks, and enough space to maneuver a wheelchair or walker. If your event is long, consider adding portable accessible units or ensuring existing facilities can handle peak usage.

• Inspect parking and drop-off areas

Identify the closest accessible parking spaces, their proximity to entrances, and the path from the lot to the doors. If drop-off zones exist, ensure they provide safe, level access and space for assistance if needed.

• Look at signage and communication supports

Clear, high-contrast signage helps everyone navigate. If your event involves live or recorded presentations, think about captioning, hearing assistance, or accessible communication options for attendees who may need them.

• Think about the broader site environment

Outdoor venues bring extra considerations: uneven ground, weather concerns, and seasonal accessibility. Check for shade, seating in rest areas, and routes that stay usable in rain or snow. It’s not just about indoor spaces; accessibility extends to the entire experience.

• Plan for staffing and attendee support

Accessibility isn’t only about brick and mortar. Train staff and volunteers to assist guests with disabilities, be mindful of quiet zones for sensory needs, and have a clear point of contact for accessibility requests. A few friendly, well-informed team members can make a big difference.

A practical checklist you can bring to any venue

• Elevators or guaranteed level access to all spaces

• Accessible restrooms with clear access and communications

• Designated accessible parking near entrances

• Clear, unobstructed routes from parking to main spaces and within the venue

• Adjustable seating or seating arrangements that accommodate mobility devices

• Hearing assistance options (captioning, sound amplification) if needed

• Adequate staff training for accessibility support

• Availability of accessible routes during setup and teardown

A few friendly tangents that help illuminate the topic

You know how a well-designed city street feels welcoming—wide sidewalks, good lighting, predictable crosswalks. The same spirit applies to event sites. When a venue prioritizes easy navigation, it reduces confusion and makes the whole day feel calmer. And speaking of calm, consider the pace of your program. A well-flowing schedule, with accessible rest breaks and clear wayfinding, can be as important as ramp widths and restroom design.

If you’re planning in a city with hills or uneven terrain, think beyond the obvious. Elevators are invaluable, but don’t overlook the importance of accessible routes on the exterior as well—the ramp grades, handrails, and non-slip surfaces all contribute to a secure, confident experience for attendees who move at different speeds.

Stories from the field sometimes help crystallize these ideas. A conference venue in a bustling downtown area once added portable accessible viewing screens and expanded the number of accessible seating options in the main hall. Guests could enjoy the keynote from seats that were truly usable for wheelchairs and for someone who prefers to stand with assistance. The result wasn’t just compliance; it was a noticeable lift in everyone’s comfort and engagement. The takeaway? Accessibility investments tend to pay off in better attendance and happier participants.

Putting it all together: you’re shaping an experience, not just a space

Accessibility is about more than ticking boxes. It’s about inviting people to participate fully, with dignity and ease. When you approach site selection with this mindset, you’ll naturally look for features that support everyone—from the person who uses a mobility device to the attendee who relies on visual or hearing accommodations.

Remember the original question that often surfaces in discussions about ADA requirements: which element isn’t a mandated feature? Extra wide sidewalks. That doesn’t mean you should skip them. It means you should intentionally design routes that are welcoming, clear, and usable. The ADA’s core aim is to guarantee access to spaces and services, not to prescribe every dimension of every outdoor path. In practice, choosing venues that emphasize navigability, safety, and attendee comfort delivers the best experience for all.

As you move forward with site selection for UHC Events Basics, keep this simple motto in mind: accessibility is a shared responsibility, and good accessibility makes events better for everyone. It’s about practical choices—elevators that work, restrooms that are usable, parking that’s easy to reach—and about a mindset that every guest matters.

If you’d like, I can help you turn these ideas into a clear site-evaluation rubric you can reuse for future events. We can tailor it to the kinds of venues you usually consider, add a quick questions list for venue reps, and keep the language practical and actionable. After all, the goal is straightforward: create spaces that invite everyone to participate, learn, and enjoy the moment together.