Accessibility mistakes cost organisations money, reputation, and trust.
Most teams care deeply about doing the right thing. But good intentions don’t prevent:
customer complaints and reputational damage
legal exposure and regulatory pressure
expensive redesigns and rework
inaccessible products reaching the public
burnout among the “one person who cares”
internal friction when teams don’t share the same understanding
If you’re responsible for people, products, services, or culture, you already know the stakes. You need clarity, confidence, and practical tools, not more abstract inspiration.
This conference is where you get them.
Is this you?
- complaints or reputational risk you’re expected to resolve
- unclear legal responsibilities and rising organisational pressure
- accessibility issues appearing late in projects, when they’re costly
Did you know?
62% of employees would reject a job offer from an organisation that isn’t inclusive.
Over half of consumers say a brand’s inclusion efforts influence their purchase decisions
1 in 4 adults in the EU has a disability.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) will require accessible products and services across the EU — with enforcement.
Meet Our Speakers
Caitlin Quinn
Head of Brand, Comms & Accessibility,
The Good Consulting Company
Heike Jord Knip
CEO, Lead Lived Experience Trainer, The Good Consulting Company
13:00 The Groningen Perspective: An Insider’s City Walk
Kick off your conference experience with a guided exploration of Groningen, led by our CEO and local native, Heike. This isn’t a standard tourist circuit; it is an informal opportunity to settle in, connect with fellow attendees, and see the city through the eyes of someone who calls it home.
We will navigate the mix of Hanseatic history and bold modernism that defines the city, from the medieval Grote Markt to the hidden Hofjes (tranquil almshouse courtyards) tucked away from the main streets.
15:30 Drinks & Dinner at Venue to be confirmed soon!
The walk concludes at one of Heike’s hand-picked local spots for a relaxed meal and drinks. It’s the perfect setting to continue the afternoon’s conversations before the main event begins.
Key Details:
- Meeting Point: To be confirmed
- Registration: Required by 8 April 2026 to ensure we secure adequate space at the restaurant.
- Costs: The walk is complimentary; food and refreshments are self-funded.
09:00–09:30 | Arrival & Orientation
Step‑free access, quiet room available all day. Light sensory‑friendly setup.
09:30–10:15 | Opening Keynote
10:15 – 10:30 — Coffee Break
A short pause to rest, reset sensory load, and prepare for the next session.
10:30 – 11:15 — Panel: Leadership Session — How to Brief for Accessibility
Leaders and practitioners discuss what good accessibility briefing looks like — and the consequences when it’s missing. This panel provides practical guidance on setting expectations, enabling teams to succeed, and embedding accessibility from the very first conversation.
11:15 – 12:00 — Talk: Operationalising Accessibility Across Teams
A practical session on how accessibility fits into everyday roles across an organisation. We look at workflows, responsibilities, and simple frameworks that help teams deliver accessible work consistently, without overwhelming capacity.
12:00 – 13:00 — Lunch
Accessible, unstructured time to rest, reset, and network at your own pace.
13:00 – 13:45 — Talk: “Don’t Call Me” — Accessible Communication for Everyone
This session explores why communication channels matter — and how phone‑first systems exclude huge groups of people, including young people, internationals, older adults, and disabled communities. We share practical strategies for clearer, more inclusive communication that reduces friction and increases engagement.
13:45 – 14:30 — Talk: Neurodivergence at Work
An introduction to how different neurotypes experience work, from sensory needs to communication styles and executive function challenges. Participants learn practical ways to create predictability, psychological safety, and environments where neurodivergent staff can thrive.
14:30 – 14:45 — Coffee Break
Time to decompress and prepare for the final talk of the day.
14:45 – 15:30 — Talk: The Purple Euro — Disabled Spending Power Across the EU
This session highlights the scale and economic importance of disabled consumers across Europe. We explore how accessible services, products, and communication not only reduce barriers — they expand audiences and open significant market opportunities.
15:30 – 16:00 — Closing Remarks
A short wrap-up of key themes from Day 1, with space for reflection and questions. Participants leave with clear takeaways and a sense of momentum for Day 2.
09:00 – 09:30 — Arrival
A calm start to the day with space to settle in, check access needs, and reconnect with facilitators and participants.
09:30 – 10:15 — Talk: Inclusive Leadership — Leading Accessible Change Initiatives
A practical exploration of what inclusive leadership looks like in action. We discuss behaviours, decision‑making habits, and day‑to‑day practices that empower teams and embed accessibility into culture and strategy.
10:15 – 10:30 — Coffee Break
Movement, water, and sensory reset time.
10:30 – 11:15 — Talk: Measuring Impact — KPIs, Reporting & ROI
A clear, jargon‑free guide to meaningful accessibility metrics. We focus on what to measure, how to avoid vanity KPIs, and how accessibility creates tangible organisational value.
11:15 – 12:00 — Talk: Embedding Change Through Lived Experience
This session shows why lived experience is essential for sustainable accessibility work. Through real examples, we explore what works, what doesn’t, and how to build respectful, collaborative processes with disabled people.
12:00 – 13:00 — Lunch
Eat, rest, recharge, or use the time for informal conversations.
13:00 – 13:45 — Talk: Mental Health, Burnout & Suicide Prevention
A trauma‑informed session on recognising risk, supporting staff ethically, and building environments that prioritise psychological safety. We explore burnout, masking, and the organisational practices that prevent harm.
13:45 – 14:00 — Coffee Break
A short pause before the workshop block.
14:00 – 15:00 —
Workshop: What Is Disability?
A lived‑experience‑led workshop that introduces the social model of disability, access needs, and everyday barriers. This session builds shared understanding and foundations for designing accessible, inclusive systems and services.
15:00 – 16:00 — Workshop: Auditing the Journey
A hands-on session where participants analyse real user journeys to identify friction, barriers, and improvement opportunities. You’ll learn practical audit techniques and leave with tools you can apply immediately.
16:00 – 16:30 — Closing Remarks
A final reflection on the two days, highlighting key insights, next steps, and resources to support continued change after the event.
Get your ticket!
Only 80 seats, so don’t wait too long to get your ticket.
By buying a ticket you agree to our Code of Conduct.
Get a 20% discount when you purchase more than 5 tickets.
Email news@valentinagroup.co.uk to request yours.
Excited to join, but your manager needs some persuasion?
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Conference Location
At our events, we seek out venues with character and history. For our Groningen debut, we are heading to Norman — a stunningly converted industrial space that perfectly captures the city’s blend of raw history and modern innovation.
Located in the heart of the city, Norman is housed in a former tobacco warehouse. It has been meticulously redesigned to balance its industrial heritage, exposed brickwork and high ceilings, with a crisp, contemporary aesthetic. It is a space designed for focus and connection.
For decades, this building was a hub of local trade. Today, it serves as a creative anchor in Groningen, equipped with the high-spec AV and acoustics required for a world-class conference. We think the “rough-around-the-edges” charm of the North is the perfect backdrop for our sessions.
“Groningen has this incredible energy, it’s a historic university city that feels constantly fresh. Hosting our event at Norman, right in the centre of it all, is going to be something very special.”
— Heike, CEO
Accessibility at Event & Venue
We want everyone to have a comfortable and seamless experience at Norman. As a historic industrial building, the venue has some specific characteristics regarding mobility and facilities:
- Step-Free Access: The ground floor, where the conference sessions will take place is level access, including at the main entrance. It has wide, step-free routes between the primary meeting rooms.
- Mobility Limitations: Please note that the venue does not have a lift. While the ground floor is fully accessible, the basement level is only reachable via stairs. We have planned our programme to ensure all sessions are held on the ground floor.
- Quiet Spaces: For attendees who require a sensory-friendly environment or a quiet break, we offer two to three open areas for downtime. Please speak to our staff on the day if you need a more private space, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
- Hearing Loops: At present, Norman does not have built-in hearing loops. If you require technical assistance, please contact us in advance so we can explore alternative solutions with our AV team.
- Parking & Transport: One designated disabled parking space is available at the venue. Additional accessible parking can be found at the Westerhaven and Ossenmarkt car parks, both within a 5-minute walk. The venue is 850m (approx. 11 minutes) from Groningen Central Station.
- Seating: Our room layouts are flexible. If you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, we can adjust seating rows to ensure you have plenty of space and a clear line of sight to the stage.
Where to stay?
The Market Hotel Located right on the Grote Markt, this is as central as it gets. It’s sophisticated, modern, and just a 5-minute walk from Norman. Or The Social Hub, A perfect choice for those who want a creative, bustling atmosphere. It’s located just North of the city centre and offers great communal spaces for networking.
Getting to Groningen
Groningen is known as the “Metropolis of the North.” While it feels tucked away, it is exceptionally well-connected by the Dutch rail network.
By Plane
Schiphol Airport (AMS): The most common entry point. There is a direct train from Schiphol to Groningen every hour. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. It is a comfortable ride with Wi-Fi, allowing you to see the Dutch landscape transition from the Randstad to the green North.
Bremen Airport (BRE), Germany: You can take the “Public Express” bus directly from Bremen Airport to Groningen Central Station in about 2 hours.
By Train
Groningen Central Station is well-connected to Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam. If you are coming from London (Eurostar) or Paris (Thalys), you will likely change at Rotterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Centraal. Use the NS Website to plan your journey.
By Bus
Flixbus operates several routes into Groningen from German cities like Bremen, Hamburg, and Berlin, as well as domestic routes.
Getting Around Groningen
Groningen is the world’s cycling capital. The city centre is largely car-free, making it a dream for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Walking: You can cross the entire city centre on foot in about 20 minutes. It is the best way to see the architecture and the canals.
- Bicycle: Do as the locals do. You can rent a bike at the Central Station (OV-fiets) or various shops in town. The infrastructure is world-class, but stay alert—Groningen students cycle fast!
- Public Transport: While the city is walkable, a comprehensive bus network (Qbuzz) serves the entire region. Like Amsterdam, it is cashless; use your contactless debit/credit card or smartphone to tap in and out.
the good access conference
Where real stories meet expert insight
The first Good Access Conf, in Groningen, Netherlands. Two days of lived‑experience–led training to help organisations move from good intentions to real, measurable change.
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