ICONS That Inform

~ How Simple Symbols Can Transform Visitor Experiences ~

ICON Sign Example

Why Every Festival, Event, and Agritourism Destination Should Be Using Them

In a world filled with fast information, one of the simplest ways to connect with visitors is often overlooked, the humble icon. These small visual symbols can make a big difference for festivals, events, fairs, and agritourism destinations. From accessibility and amenities to safety and comfort, icons quietly guide visitors, making their experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

Why Icons Matter

Icons are the universal language of travel and tourism. They cut through the clutter of words, speaking instantly to every guest, regardless of age, language, or ability. A well-placed icon can answer a dozen questions before they’re even asked:

Is there accessible parking?
Are pets welcome?
Is there shade or a covered rest area?
Are there hydration stations or first-aid tents nearby?
Can I find food, restrooms, or shuttle service easily?

For many visitors, especially seniors, families with young children, or anyone with mobility challenges, this kind of clarity can mean the difference between attending and staying home. Icons reassure people. They build trust and signal that organizers care about their comfort and inclusion.

Building a Better Visitor Experience

Festival and Event Services Inc. (FESI), through its Ontario Visited and Ontario Agritourism programs, has long been committed to helping organizers connect more meaningfully with their audiences. Over the past year, we’ve expanded that commitment by developing a comprehensive series of Information and Accessibility Icons, simple, consistent, and visually recognizable designs that communicate key visitor details instantly.

Our growing collection includes icons for:

Accessibility features (wheelchair access, accessible parking, rest areas)
Family comfort (washrooms, baby-change stations, shaded seating)
Event logistics (admissions, parking, shuttle service, volunteer station)
Health and safety (first aid, hydration, emergency exits)
Agritourism-specific amenities (farm store, u-pick fields, petting barns, wagon rides, local food, and tasting areas)

Each icon follows a clean, white-on-black design for maximum readability, a modern, accessible look that fits neatly into any website, poster, or map. They are designed not just to look good, but to work well in every format, from print brochures to social media posts.

For Organizers, It’s a Game-Changer

Adding icons to your digital and printed materials isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about clarity, inclusiveness, and marketing power. Visitors can scan an event page and instantly see what’s offered, which makes them far more likely to attend.

Icons also help:

Reduce visitor uncertainty and pre-visit inquiries
Increase satisfaction by setting clear expectations
Show community commitment to accessibility and family-friendly practices
Enhance marketing visuals, giving materials a polished, professional edge

For festivals, fairs, and rural attractions competing for attention, that’s a clear advantage.

A Tool for the Whole Tourism Community

Our icons were created not just for large events but for everyone across Ontario’s tourism and agritourism landscape, from heritage villages and farm stores to farm stays, markets, and trail networks. They’re meant to be shared, adopted, and adapted across communities to make Ontario’s visitor experience more consistent and inclusive.

Join the Icon Movement

As we continue to promote Ontario’s fairs, festivals, and agritourism through our networks, we invite organizers and operators to start using these icons today. They’re available as part of our promotional and marketing support programs — and we’re happy to help you select, customize, and integrate them into your materials.

Together, we can make Ontario easier to explore, more accessible to everyone, and even more welcoming to visitors who want to experience “A Road Less Traveled.”