At the Banff World Media Festival (BANFF), we want to make sure that all attendee experiences at our events are accessible and inclusive. We are committed to identifying and removing barriers to access through a range of services.

To support our commitment, we have partnered with the Disability Screen Office (DSO) in the coming year - a national, disability-led, not-for-profit organization that works with the Canadian screen industry to eliminate accessibility barriers and foster authentic and meaningful disability representation on and off the screen.

With this partnership, we join and support the DSO’s mission to enhance accessibility, disability inclusion, and impact in the Canadian screen industry. By partnering with the DSO, we are beginning efforts at BANFF to make our event more accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities. Festivals serve as a vital component of the Canadian screen industry. They are crucial hubs where industry professionals connect, relationships flourish, deals are made, and where audiences passionately engage with films and support filmmakers.

For information about the DSO, contact Winnie Luk, Executive Director, Disability Screen Office, at winnie.luk@dso-orphe.ca.

For information about the Banff World Media Festival accessibility services, please contact us at bwmfcustomercare@brunico.com. In the meantime, here are some general Q&As to help you understand the service options that will be available at the festival.

How do I request an accessible hotel room?

A reservation agent at any of the Banff hotels is happy to discuss availability and details about accessible guest rooms. Call the regular reservations line. Please feel free to share any other details that are important for your visit.

Wheelchair accessibility and mobility

BANFF takes place at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. The front entrance, as well as entrances to all onsite event spaces and restaurants, are wheelchair-accessible.

There are a few meeting rooms with stairs however wheelchair access details are included below:

• Ivor Petrak Room - access is through the Upper Rundle Lounge
• The Alhambra Room - access in through the hallway beside the Angus Room
• The Theatre in the Conference Centre - access is through the front doors, there is allotted space for accessible seating just inside the entrance

For further information on accessibility at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel please check out their accessibility page on their website.

Are there accessible washrooms on all floors where the festival is taking place?

There are wheelchair accessible washrooms on all levels of the Banff Springs hotel as well as the Banff Springs Conference Centre.

Do you provide companion passes for support persons?

Any attendee who requires the physical assistance of a support person can request a Companion Pass at no charge. This support person must accompany the attendee needing assistance in order to be permitted to enter sessions and networking events. Please email bwmfcustomercare@brunico.com to discuss your needs.

Do you allow service animals at the event?

BANFF welcomes ACA-recognized service animals that are trained and certified to do work or perform tasks for people with physical disabilities. Animals that provide comfort or emotional support (ESA) are also permitted in the Banff Springs hotel.

The animal must have the service animal vest on that indicates they are a service animal upon entry into meeting rooms and food and beverage events.

Please note these are guidelines for the Banff Springs hotel, if you are staying at a different hotel during your stay in Banff, please check their guidelines for service animals when booking your accommodations.