FCIP - May 19 (Monday): Selling Accessibility – A Panel Discussion

Ensuring accessibility in WordPress projects isn’t just a legal or ethical responsibility—it’s a powerful value-add for clients.

But how do you effectively communicate its importance and integrate it into your sales process?

Join us on Monday, May 19, as our FCIP co-founder Ron Zasadzinski joins other agency owners and freelancers on a panel to share insights on positioning accessibility as a competitive advantage, overcoming client objections, and pricing accessibility services effectively.

Whether you’re struggling to get client buy-in or looking to refine your sales approach, this conversation will provide actionable takeaways to help you confidently sell accessibility in WordPress projects.

Event details:

• Mon, May 19 at 6pm MDT (arrive by 5:45pm)
• Virtual and in-person options
• This is a joint event between the national WordPress Accessibility Meetup and the Fort Collins Internet Pros Meetup.

Two ways to attend:

1. To attend virtually, please RSVP via the WordPress Accessibility Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/wordpress-accessibility-meetup-group/events/305755547/
2. To attend in-person in Fort Collins, please RSVP on this page.

• Use the Attend Online button + also leave a comment so we have an accurate # for food and drinks.
• Plan to arrive no later than 5:45pm because the presentation will start at 6pm sharp.

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ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
Amber Hinds
CEO of Equalize Digital
Amber Hinds is the CEO of Equalize Digital, Inc., a company specializing in WordPress accessibility and maker of the Accessibility Checker plugin. She is the lead organizer of the WordPress Accessibility Meetup, board president/co-lead organizer of the WP Accessibility Day nonprofit, and participates in the WordPress core accessibility team.

Through her work at Equalize Digital, Amber is striving to create a world where all people have equal access to information and tools on the internet, regardless of ability. Since 2010, she has led teams building websites and web applications for nonprofits, K-12 and higher education institutions, government agencies, and businesses of all sizes, and has become a passionate accessibility advocate.

Bet Hannon
CEO and Founder of AccessiCart
Bet Hannon had a first career in nonprofit management but was downsized in the 2008 financial crisis. She stumbled into freelance web development, bootstrapped an agency, and in 2016 when a client needed web accessibility, got her team up to speed with that.

Today, she's the CEO and founder of AccessiCart, a services agency that focuses on accessibility and eCommerce (or anything with a checkout form). She lives in Bend, Oregon, and loves hiking and snowshoeing.

Gen Herres
Founder of Easy A11y Guide
Gen Herres is the Founder of Easy A11y Guide, which helps website owners & agencies to improve their accessibility. With 15 years of WordPress development experience, and 5 years of accessibility, Gen brings practical knowledge from working on over 1,000 websites to the accessibility space. She's a DHS Trusted Tester for Section 508, a well-known speaker, and an accessibility advocate. She’s spoken at meetups, on podcasts, at WordCamp US, and WP Accessibility Day, and is an IAAP member. She’s helped plugins, themes, and web agencies refine their accessibility processes and websites that real people can use. She also organizes the Baltimore WordPress meetup group.

Ron Zasadzinski
Founder and CEO of CodeGeek
Ron started CodeGeek in 2002, and since then, he and his team have worked with clients all over the U.S. to create custom websites and web apps.

Whether in business or in life, Ron’s goal every day is to help people be the best they can be. He’s passionate about making the web more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Ron is involved in several ventures, including co-founding the Fort Collins Internet Professionals (FCIP) Meetup and being a flight instructor with over 30 years and 8,000 hours of flying experience. In his free time, Ron enjoys following NASA missions with great interest, hiking, skiing, and traveling with his wife to see the many wonders this world has to offer.

Scott Tobin
Founder and President of Sector45
Scott Tobin is the Founder and President of Sector45, a specialized medical marketing agency serving the aesthetic industry. With over 18 years of experience in medical marketing and more than 25 years in digital marketing, he brings deep expertise in internet services, strategic planning, SEO, search marketing, and practice growth. Scott is dedicated to helping medical professionals enhance their online presence and achieve long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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MEET OUR FCIP SPONSORS:
CodeGeek –> As our administrative sponsor, CodeGeek coordinates with speakers, sponsors and venues to help make these monthly meetups possible.

• CodeGeek specializes in custom website design and development—and making websites as accessible as possible.
• Learn more about CodeGeek.

Maybe you? –> If you're interested in being our food and beverage sponsor for this or a future Meetup, contact Ron Zasadzinski through the Meetup platform.

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INNOSPHERE DETAILS (to attend in-person)
320 E Vine Dr Suite 101
Fort Collins, CO 80524
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