For neurodiverse participants, an event can be stressful and exhausting, so it is important for organisers to take their specific needs into account. BCD Meetings & Events’ latest sustainability report highlighted the importance of organising more inclusive events for neurodiverse audiences. Neurodiversity, which includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome and many other conditions, is increasingly in the spotlight, as up to 40% of people can be neurodivergent.
Based on the BCD M&E’s recommendations, there are four key areas to focus on if you want to make an event more neuro-inclusive:
- Use simple language: Avoid complicated metaphors and exaggerations in communication. Instead, use headlines, infographics and visual elements to support the communication of information. Provide materials to participants in advance to help them prepare for the event.
- Create a welcoming environment: Reconsider the organisation of the event area, including quiet, secluded spaces. It’s important to anticipate flashing lights and loud noises, and to allow for online participation.
- Provide a variety of experiences: For example, provide food choices, including a buffet service. Offer sensory gifts such as blankets, toys or noise-cancelling headphones to help participants relax.
- Community building: When planning events, introduce ‘always/never’ rules to help accommodate neurodiversity needs. Ask for feedback after the event to make the next event more inclusive.
Neuro-inclusive events not only make the event more convenient for the neurodivergent community, but also promote wider inclusiveness and event success.
The head of creative at Event Concept (EC) stresses that diversity and inclusivity are essential when designing events. He points out that events adapted to different learning styles are not only important from a moral but also from a commercial point of view. Inclusive events create opportunities for all participants to effectively absorb the messages, making them a lasting experience.
Events should be designed to take into account different learning styles – visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and many other forms that help participants to actively participate. The EC’s inclusive design approach was well illustrated at Habitat’s 60th anniversary event at the Design Museum. Participants at the event were able to create their own ceramic artworks while drawing inspiration from Habitat’s iconic Radica collection. This hands-on workshop provided an excellent opportunity for kinaesthetic learners to create by hand while understanding the beauty and deeper meaning of the collection. Inclusivity is not just a trend, it is a fundamental requirement to create a full range of experiences that speak to everyone and have a lasting impact (C&IT).