SASK AI EXPO
AI should work for everyone. So should our Event.
AiSK is committed to ensuring the SASK AI EXPO is accessible, welcoming, and barrier-free for all participants. These Accessibility Expectations apply to all speakers, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff contributing to the Event. Attendees are also encouraged to review these guidelines so they know what support is available.
Accessibility isn't an add-on — it's how we build Community. If you have questions or need accommodations, contact us early and often.
1. Presentation & Content Standards
All speakers, panelists, and workshop facilitators are expected to follow these standards when preparing and delivering their sessions:
1.1 Slide Design
- Use a minimum font size of 24pt for body text and 32pt for titles
- Use high-contrast colour combinations (e.g., dark text on light backgrounds); avoid red/green combinations alone
- Use sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Montserrat) for readability at distance
- Avoid dense text — use clear headings, short bullets, and generous white space
- Do not use flashing, strobing, or rapidly animated content (seizure risk under WCAG 2.3.1)
- Include alt text or descriptions for all images, charts, and diagrams
- If using video, ensure captions or a transcript are available
1.2 Spoken Delivery
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace; use a microphone at all times, even if you think you're loud enough
- Verbally describe key visuals, graphs, or demos for audience members who may not be able to see the screen
- Avoid jargon without explanation — remember, AI 101 track attendees are in the building too
- Face the audience when speaking (not the screen) to support lip-reading and engagement
- Repeat audience questions into the microphone before answering
1.3 Handouts & Digital Materials
- Whenever possible, provide materials in accessible digital formats (e.g., tagged PDF, .docx) rather than image-only PDFs
- Use descriptive hyperlink text ("View the AiSK report" not "click here")
- Share materials in advance where possible so attendees with assistive technology can prepare
2. Venue & Physical Accessibility
AiSK has selected Prairieland Park with accessibility in mind. The following features and expectations apply:
- All session rooms, the Expo Hall, and networking areas are wheelchair accessible with step-free routes
- Accessible washrooms are available on the main Event level
- Reserved seating will be available near the front of session rooms for attendees with mobility, vision, or hearing needs
- Service animals are welcome in all Event spaces; please do not interact with service animals without the handler's permission
- Clear, high-contrast signage will be placed at key navigation points throughout the venue
- Rest/quiet areas will be available for attendees who need sensory breaks
3. Sponsor, Vendor & Exhibitor Responsibilities
All booth operators and exhibitors are expected to:
- Ensure booth displays include text at readable sizes with sufficient contrast
- Keep aisles and pathways around booths clear for wheelchair and mobility device access (minimum 36" clearance)
- Avoid placing critical information or interactive elements above 48" or below 15" from the floor (reachable range)
- Provide audio or text alternatives for any video or multimedia displayed at booths
- Be prepared to describe products, demos, or visuals verbally when asked
- Do not use flashing lights, loud sudden sounds, or strong scents that may cause discomfort or health reactions
4. Communication & Language Access
- The Event's primary language is English; AiSK will assess demand for French or other language support and provide it where feasible
- Live captioning (CART) will be available for Mainstage keynote & breakout sessions
- Speakers should be prepared to work with sign language interpreters if assigned to their session
- All pre-Event communications (emails, web pages, social media) should follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards where applicable
5. Dietary & Sensory Considerations
- Catered meals and snacks will include clearly labelled allergen information and dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher)
- A quiet/low-stimulation room will be available for attendees who experience sensory overload
- Lighting in session rooms will be kept at steady, comfortable levels — no strobe effects or sudden changes
- AiSK will minimize unnecessary loud sounds (e.g., air horns, sudden music blasts) during transitions
6. Requesting Accommodations
We want to get this right. If you need an accommodation not listed here, please reach out as early as possible so we can plan accordingly:
- Email: kaitlyn@aisk.ca
- Phone/Text: 306.502.4520
- Registration form: accommodation requests can be noted during Event registration
All accommodation requests will be handled confidentially. AiSK will make every reasonable effort to meet your needs.
7. Accountability
Accessibility expectations are not optional. Speakers who submit materials that do not meet these standards by the April 20, 2026 slide deadline may be asked to revise and resubmit. Persistent non-compliance may result in session reassignment or removal from the program, as outlined in the Speaker Agreement.
For exhibitors and vendors, failure to maintain accessible booth standards may result in a request to modify displays during the Event.
We believe AI should work for everyone — and that's a standard worth building toward.