Hi Everyone, As we prepare for RIPE 91 which will take place in Bucharest, I wanted to highlight some key points regarding accessibility that we keep in mind: 1. *Accessible Meeting Areas*: All meeting rooms and event spaces should be fully accessible via lifts and/or ramps. 2. *Ramp Design*: Ramps should have a gentle gradient and be wide enough for a wheelchair. It's also important to ensure there is sufficient space at the top and bottom for manoeuvring. This applies especially to stage access and around the hotel. 3. *Accessible Toilets*: Ensure that wheelchair-accessible toilets are available, unlocked, and fully functional. Ideally, they should include a mirror at an appropriate height. 4. *Low Sensory Spaces*: Where possible, designated areas with reduced sensory stimulation for individuals who may need a quieter environment. As an example, the Workspace can serve this purpose. 5. *Step Markings and Handrails*: Steps should be clearly marked for visibility and handrails provided along staircases to support individuals with mobility challenges or visual impairments. 6. *Accessible Transport Instructions*: Instructions for accessible transportation options from the airport to the venue. 7. *Social Venue Accessibility*: Where possible check that all social event venues are fully accessible, including entryways, restrooms, and seating areas. 8. *Shuttle Services*: If shuttle services are offered, check that they include a wheelchair lift. 9. *Guest Room Accessibility*: Accessible guest rooms should be available and booked in advance where needed. These rooms should meet all required standards for space, bathroom access, and usability. If you have additional considerations or questions related to accessibility, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to ensure that our events are welcoming and accessible to all attendees. Cheers, Kajal Event Organiser RIPE NCC
Hello Kajal and the list, thanks for sharing your checklist. I'd like to return to my e-mails from RIPE 87, 88 and 89, namely, and add some comments to the checklist. - https://mailman.ripe.net/archives/list/diversity@ripe.net/thread/6UF2RYQ3S7W... - https://mailman.ripe.net/archives/list/diversity@ripe.net/thread/LNKRSGJM73I... - https://mailman.ripe.net/archives/list/diversity@ripe.net/thread/XDUHQYUYK77... Omitted items (below) mean "yes, please keep these".
1. *Accessible Meeting Areas*: All meeting rooms and event spaces should be fully accessible via lifts and/or ramps.
… clearly marked lifts and/or ramps.
[...]
4. *Low Sensory Spaces*: Where possible, designated areas with reduced sensory stimulation for individuals who may need a quieter environment. As an example, the Workspace can serve this purpose.
This information should be clearly marked in the schedule / event description, i.e. not only "enjoy the views and DJ party" but also "quiet areas are available / not available". Also, earplugs ready to hand out may help.
[...]
If you have additional considerations or questions related to accessibility, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to ensure that our events are welcoming and accessible to all attendees.
*Food limitations*: All food served should be marked by a label stating what the food is, and what allergens and which animal parts it contains (e.g. pork meat, cow milk, chicken eggs, fish nets, bug fixes, …) *Beverages*: When serving alcoholic drinks, in all cases there should be an equally available non-alcoholic drink. Also, it's very much inappropriate to try to convince anybody to drink alcohol. From another participant, this would be a blatant CoC violation, and I honestly didn't expect this from a waiter at the RIPE Dinner. *Stenographers*: Please, keep the stenographers, they do an awesome job. All in all, thank you for doing this. I see that many of the requirements are already hard to fulfil. RIPE meetings are still of the best meetings I have ever been to, and I'm trying to make them even better. Have a nice day! Maria -- Maria Matejka (she/her) | BIRD Team Leader | CZ.NIC, z.s.p.o.
Hi Maria, Thanks for sharing your feedback. Your experience regarding the waiter at the RIPE Dinner is concerning, and I’m sorry that happened. Pressuring anyone to drink alcohol is not acceptable. We will follow up to ensure this is addressed more clearly. I am glad to hear your support regarding the stenographers, they do a fantastic job and we value their contribution. Thank you again for your suggestions and ongoing commitment in making the RIPE meetings better for everyone. We will continue to refine the checklist. Have a lovely day. Kajal On Thu, 19 Jun 2025 at 17:06, Maria Matejka <maria.matejka@nic.cz> wrote:
Hello Kajal and the list,
thanks for sharing your checklist.
I’d like to return to my e-mails from RIPE 87, 88 and 89, namely, and add some comments to the checklist.
- https://mailman.ripe.net/archives/list/diversity@ripe.net/thread/6UF2RYQ3S7W... - https://mailman.ripe.net/archives/list/diversity@ripe.net/thread/LNKRSGJM73I... - https://mailman.ripe.net/archives/list/diversity@ripe.net/thread/XDUHQYUYK77...
Omitted items (below) mean “yes, please keep these”.
1. *Accessible Meeting Areas*: All meeting rooms and event spaces should be fully accessible via lifts and/or ramps.
… clearly marked lifts and/or ramps.
[…]
4. *Low Sensory Spaces*: Where possible, designated areas with reduced sensory stimulation for individuals who may need a quieter environment. As an example, the Workspace can serve this purpose.
This information should be clearly marked in the schedule / event description, i.e. not only “enjoy the views and DJ party” but also “quiet areas are available / not available”.
Also, earplugs ready to hand out may help.
[…]
If you have additional considerations or questions related to accessibility, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to ensure that our events are welcoming and accessible to all attendees.
*Food limitations*: All food served should be marked by a label stating what the food is, and what allergens and which animal parts it contains (e.g. pork meat, cow milk, chicken eggs, fish nets, bug fixes, …)
*Beverages*: When serving alcoholic drinks, in all cases there should be an equally available non-alcoholic drink. Also, it’s very much inappropriate to try to convince anybody to drink alcohol. From another participant, this would be a blatant CoC violation, and I honestly didn’t expect this from a waiter at the RIPE Dinner.
*Stenographers*: Please, keep the stenographers, they do an awesome job.
All in all, thank you for doing this. I see that many of the requirements are already hard to fulfil. RIPE meetings are still of the best meetings I have ever been to, and I’m trying to make them even better.
Have a nice day! Maria
– Maria Matejka (she/her) | BIRD Team Leader | CZ.NIC, z.s.p.o.
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Maria Matejka -
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