Safe Place for all

FIA recognises the value of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in achieving meaningful and best-practice fundraising, and welcomes the contributions and equitable participation of every individual.  FIA is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for our employees, volunteers and members.

If you would like to find out more about how to get involved with the FIA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion steering committee, please contact [email protected].

Assistance Animals

Guide, hearing and assistance animals are welcome to access the BCEC. Assistance animals must be identified by use of a valid assistance animal identification card, pass or permit and any of the following;

• an assistance dog harness
• a coat, cape or vest clearly identifying them as an assistance animal
• an identification badge or medallion (displayed, for example, on its harness, collar, leash, coat, cape or vest)

Uncertified therapy/emotional support/companion animals are not included in the Act, therefore do not meet the legal definition of an assistance animal and do not have the same public access rights. These animals may be refused entry.

Accessible Seating

There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations in the Great Hall (plenary sessions). Please ask one of the FIA staff or Volunteers for assistance if required.

FIA will designate a few seats in each track room and within the Exhibition Hall as priority or courtesy seating for those that require.  

Accessible Toilets

Accessible unisex toilets are located throughout the Centre and are located adjacent to major restroom blocks.

All accessible toilets have hand basins and are fitted with handrails with a monitored emergency duress system installed.

Accessible unisex toilets are also located in the parenting rooms, change-rooms, medical centres, VIP and Hospitality Suites.

Hearing Assistance

Hearing loops are installed in all meeting rooms.

Larger rooms – Plaza Terrace Room, Plaza Ballroom, Great Hall and all exhibition halls can be fitted with loops in required areas and are activated on request.

Please ensure any hearing loop requirements are noted in your FIA Conference registration form so we can best prepare the venue.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative

FIA are now proud participants in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, which helps to raise awareness of, and provide support to those living with a non-visible disability.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative is about helping people with disabilities that are not immediately obvious (such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, visual or hearing impairment), to receive the understanding, patience and support they need when going about their daily lives.

Under the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, our attendees with such non-visible disabilities can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, as a subtle way of letting the FIA team know that they may require additional support, assistance, or a bit more time.

A limited number of Sunflower lanyards are available at the FIA Conference Registration Desk, at no cost.

In addition to making the Sunflower lanyards available, we’re training our team to identify the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower so we can better support our customers who may require additional help.

Quiet Room 

FIA, with support from ASPECT, has designated a Quiet Room on the Mezzanine Level. A Quiet Room is a safe space for people to go if they become overwhelmed during events.

Quiet Rooms are for anyone who needs to take a break from the sensory or social environment. Multiple groups can be in the room and use different spaces at the same time. 

Visual Story

A Visual Story is a step-by-step guide for what attendees can expect when they attend FIA Conference 2024. It uses pictures, and is written in easy-English, to make important information about the conference accessible for more people. You can download a copy of the visual story here: VISUAL STORY

Venue Accessibility

There is additional accessibility information relating to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, please follow this link Accessibility – Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (bcec.com.au) for more information.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs may be borrowed from BCEC on a first-come, first-served basis, free of charge, for use within the building. The wheelchairs are manually operated and may not be taken outside of the building.

The wheelchairs are located at the BCEC Information Desks (Merivale and Grey Street entrances) and Exhibitor Services Office on the Exhibition Concourse.

BCEC employees are not permitted to physically assist patrons from wheelchairs, walkers or other aids. Where physical assistance is required, this must be provided by the patron’s carer.

Wheelchair access between BCEC and Rydges Hotel

Rydges Hotel has access for wheelchairs from the Plaza level of BCEC through a ramp off to the right-hand-side of the access stairs leading into the hotel.

At the end of ramp is an intercom that calls Rydges Reception directly to allow access to the hotel. This ramp connects to Level 2 of the hotel, which is an accommodation floor, and from here, guests are able to access the hotel via lifts.