The meetings and events industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with inclusion taking center stage. In this context, neuroinclusive practices are positioned as a priority, bringing new perspectives to design experiences that truly integrate everyone.
In the 1990s, inclusion at events was often limited to meeting basic accessibility standards, focusing on physical aspects such as installing wheelchair ramps. While these efforts were significant at the time, our understanding of diversity has evolved considerably since then. Technological advances and profound societal change have redefined the concept of inclusion, expanding it beyond physical barriers to encompass a greater variety of human experiences.
This new perspective has highlighted the relevance of neuroinclusive practices, especially at large-scale events. Today, the challenge is not only to remove physical barriers, but to design environments that are also welcoming to the neurodivergent community, including people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other cognitive variations. These considerations are no longer optional but
essential as we move towards creating truly inclusive spaces where everyone can fully participate.
The inclusion gap
Events have the power to connect, inspire and educate, but only when everyone feels a part of them. For neurodivergent people, traditional event environments can be challenging, filled with sensory input and communication barriers. Although they make up nearly 30% of the world’s population, their needs have been largely overlooked in the planning of these types of experiences.
Some hospitality organizations are closing this gap by redefining what it means to host truly inclusive events. They are intentionally adopting neuroinclusive practices—not just by adapting spaces, but by driving a deeper transformation in the approach to inclusion. This means prioritizing empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to making every participant feel valued. This movement is about more than just adding new elements—it seeks to reimagine the entire attendee experience from a perspective that authentically reflects diversity.
Neuroinclusive practices making a difference
Active collaboration with neurodivergent communities has led to initiatives that are transforming key events in prominent markets in Latin America. These practices include:
• Sensory recovery rooms: These spaces provide an essential refuge for attendees who feel overwhelmed by the sensory intensity of large events, offering them a quiet place to relax and recharge.
• Personalized sensory tools and resources: Providing items like noise-cancelling headphones, stress toys, and light-sensitivity glasses allows attendees to tailor their experience to their individual needs, recognizing that neurodiversity requires customized solutions.
• Accessible communication: Real-time captions for keynote presentations ensure that everyone, including those who process information visually or have hearing impairments, can fully engage with the content.
Lessons in Neuroinclusion
Today, industry leaders like Marriott International are driving significant advancements in neuroinclusive event design, redefining the standards of hospitality. Their focus on creating neuroinclusive experiences has yielded key lessons that can serve as a guide for other organizations.
• Education as a cornerstone: Offering resources to educate about neurodiversity and neuroinclusive practices fosters a culture of understanding and preparedness. This ensures that every detail of an event is designed with empathy and care.
• Sensory-aware design: Incorporating elements like seating areas, adjustable lighting, and clear signage transforms spaces into welcoming, non-overwhelming environments.
• Predictable communication: Providing structured, accessible information—like detailed schedules, visual aids, and well-defined signage—significantly reduces anxiety for neurodivergent attendees.
Redefining industry standards
Efforts toward neuroinclusion are not simply temporary adjustments; they represent a profound shift in how the events industry conceives and implements inclusion. The impact of these practices transcends immediate experiences, inviting all industry players to rethink what it truly means to be inclusive, thereby setting a new standard upon which others can innovate and build.
The meetings and events industry faces a defining moment – the opportunity to lead by example. By adopting these strategies, you have the power to lead the way toward creating truly inclusive environments. As more organizations recognize the importance of neuroinclusion, it will become an essential component of event design, planning, and execution.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, neuroinclusion will not only be an indicator of progress, but also a key driver for success.
Fuente: Marriott International.