# Access & inclusion # An accessible and inclusive Gathering 2027 ****We want the Gathering 2027 to be accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.**** This page gives you information about the range of accessibility measures that we are applying as standard. We want to create a more neuro-inclusive event that is accessible to as many people as possible and to empower attendees to personalise their experience. You can tell us about your accessibility needs by **[emailing our Gathering team](mailto:thegathering@scvo.scot)**. Or, if you're coming to the Gathering as a delegate, you can let us know later in the year when you [**book to attend**](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/events). We can't wait to see you! > ![Alex Thomson](https://files.scvo.scot/2024/06/alex.png) > > We warmly invite you to tell us about your needs so that we can address them wherever possible. > > We can't wait to see you at the Gathering 2027! > > Alex Thomson, > SCVO Events Manager ## What to expect To prepare for the in-person Gathering on 2nd and 3rd February 2027, SCVO’s events team and internal staff accessibility group have built on the last Gathering that took place at the same venue and we've used the **[‘Access Chain’ resource](https://www.sensorytrust.org.uk/resources/guidance/access-chain-an-inclusive-design-tool)**. We also took guidance and advice from the venue and specialist organisations. The accessibility measures we are taking as standard include: **In advance of the Gathering we will:** * Proactively ask delegates to tell us their needs * Provide information about access and accessible facilities in a range of formats * Offer information in accessible formats * Present a welcoming and inclusive image for all visitors * Provide transport and accommodation information and details of car parking/drop-off * Welcome people bringing their own lunch, snacks and refreshments to save on cost **At the Gathering we will:** * Have a dedicated accessibility and information desk with welcoming and informed staff  * Provide online and hard copy event and venue information * Ensure clear signage and easily identifiable staff to provide support * Provide induction loops at registration, and event rooms where required * Limit public address (PA) announcements and ambient music * Provide a prayer room, a quiet room, and a parenting room, in addition to quieter spaces around the venue. These will be clearly marked on signage throughout the venue * Provide Gathering exhibitors and event hosts with tips on how to be more accessible and inclusive, stressing our commitment to making the exhibition accessible * Provide live captions in event rooms where required * Provide a 'plain food' option for delegates who prefer this * Certain sessions will also be recorded for the **[Gathering Extra](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/extra)**. If you need to speak to us on the day of the event about any accessibility or inclusion questions, please contact the SCVO team at our dedicated accessibility and information desk as you enter the EICC. Our team will be happy to listen and help. Keep up to date with all the latest news about the Gathering 2027 and be the first to know about bookings opening, new events and what to expect. [Subscribe to Gathering updates](https://scvo.activehosted.com/f/28) ### The Gathering online at the Gathering Extra As well as the **in-person Gathering on 10th and 11th February,** we are hosting the **[Gathering Extra](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/extra) online on DATE 2026.** The Gathering Extra is in addition to, rather than an alternative to, the in-person Gathering. It is an online event that will feature recorded sessions from the Gathering and special live guests with an SCVO host, in a format that is designed specifically for an online audience. Our aim is to maximise accessibility, inclusion and delegate experience for both the in-person and online Gathering experience. [Learn more and book your place](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/the-gathering-extra) ### Pre-register for the Gathering 2025 Pre-register to be among the first to know when bookings open for the Gathering 2025. We'll also keep you up to date with the latest news and information about the Gathering. [Pre-register for the Gathering 2025](https://scvo.scot/the-gathering/pre-register) --- ## About SCVO SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) is the national membership organisation for Scotland's voluntary sector. Our role is to champion the role of voluntary organisations in Scotland and to support them to do work that has a positive impact. SCVO supports members and the wider voluntary sector with all aspects of setting up and running a voluntary organisation. SCVO represents the needs and concerns of the voluntary sector to the Scottish government in Holyrood and UK government and Westminster. Through our learning and events programme SCVO offers training and development opportunities to the sector. Members access an extensive membership benefits package including specialist, in-depth, 1-to-1 guidance from our Information Services team and from professional service partners. Access to exclusive membership networks (including comms, employers, governance and policy) supports members to grow their connections, stay up to date, exchange ideas and views with peers, and learn through tailored learning opportunities. SCVO members enjoy free access to Funding Scotland Premium to stay on top of funding opportunities to support their organisation’s financial resilience. Discounts and savings on SCVO products and services (including our HR service, managed IT support, payroll service and events and training) and partner offers provide members with support to allow them to focus on delivering their organisation’s goals. Further SCVO products and services include [extensive digital support](https://scvo.scot/support/digital), a climate action resource [Growing Climate Confidence](https://climateconfident.scot), a voluntary sector publication [Third Force News](https://tfn.scot) and a voluntary sector jobs and recruitment service [Goodmoves](https://goodmoves.org). For more information on SCVO membership, visit [SCVO membership](https://scvo.scot/membership)