The event industry is a vibrant space where people connect, learn, and grow.
However, for many neurodivergent individuals, events can be overwhelming and inaccessible due to neurobiases; unconscious assumptions or stereotypes about those who think, process, or experience the world differently.
These biases create significant barriers to inclusion, often leaving neurodivergent attendees excluded or unsupported.
It’s time for the events industry to address these biases, challenge exclusionary attitudes, and embrace practices that foster true inclusivity.
What Are Neurobiases?
Neurobiases are hidden biases that arise from a lack of understanding or awareness about neurodivergence. They manifest as assumptions about how people should behave, communicate, or engage, often catering exclusively to neurotypical experiences. In the event space, these biases can lead to environments that unintentionally exclude neurodivergent individuals.
How Neurobiases Present Themselves in the Event Industry
1. “One-Size-Fits-All” Event Design
Many events are built around the idea that all attendees can comfortably navigate noisy, fast-paced, and crowded environments. This approach ignores the sensory and cognitive needs of neurodivergent individuals.
For example:
- Bright lights, loud sounds, and crowded spaces can trigger sensory overwhelm.
- Poor signage or complex layouts can heighten anxiety for those with navigation or spatial processing challenges.
2. Misinterpretation of Behavior
Neurodivergent individuals often communicate, socialise, or self-regulate in ways that differ from neurotypical norms. Misunderstanding these behaviours can lead to exclusion:
- A person seeking a quiet space might be seen as disengaged.
- Stimming (e.g., tapping, rocking, or hand flapping) may be unfairly judged as disruptive.
3. Lack of Quiet and Sensory-Friendly Spaces
Despite growing awareness, many events still fail to prioritise a properly equipped and supervised quiet or sensory-friendly room. EventWell research reveals that 85% of neurodivergent individuals have avoided events for fear of being overwhelmed, and 55% want supervised quiet rooms where they can feel safe and supported. The absence of these spaces perpetuates exclusion.
4. Limited Accessibility Training for Staff
Event staff often lack the training to recognise or support neurodivergent needs. This gap in knowledge leaves neurodivergent attendees hesitant to seek help, knowing they may not receive the understanding or assistance they require.
5. Rigid Social Expectations
Networking, icebreakers, and live Q&A sessions are often designed with neurotypical social norms in mind, favouring fast-paced verbal exchanges, eye contact, and spontaneous interaction. These formats can alienate neurodivergent attendees who may prefer quieter, structured, or alternative ways to engage.
6. Exclusionary Attitudes: “If You Can’t Handle It, Don’t Attend”
One of the most harmful neurobiases in the event industry is the belief that if someone struggles with traditional event environments, they simply shouldn’t attend. This attitude is deeply discriminatory and dismissive for several reasons:
- It Denies Equal Opportunity: Events provide critical opportunities for professional growth, learning, and networking. Excluding neurodivergent individuals denies them access to these benefits.
- It Shifts Responsibility: Just as events must accommodate physical disabilities or dietary needs, they must also consider sensory and cognitive accessibility. Expecting neurodivergent attendees to adapt to an inaccessible environment is inequitable and unjust.
- It Perpetuates Discrimination: Neurodivergence is part of the natural diversity of human experiences. Designing events exclusively for neurotypical attendees reinforces exclusion and systemic inequity.
Why Inclusion Matters
The impact of these biases extends beyond individuals—it affects the entire industry.
According to EventWell research:
- 88% of neurodivergent individuals feel event organisers don’t understand their needs.
- 85% have avoided events due to fear of overwhelm.
These figures highlight not only the moral imperative for change but also a clear business case for more inclusive events. By addressing neurobiases, organisers can attract a broader audience, enhance their reputation, and lead the way in accessibility and innovation.
Breaking Down Neurobiases: Practical Steps for Inclusive Events
1. Design with Sensory Accessibility in Mind
- Incorporate quiet rooms like SensoryCalm to provide safe decompression spaces.
- Provide noise-cancelling headsets, fidgets, and weighted blankets.
- Use clear, high-contrast signage to make navigation easy and stress-free.
2. Train Your Staff
Equip your team with the knowledge and skills to support neurodivergent attendees. Programs like EventWell’s neurodiversity awareness training can empower staff to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
3. Offer Flexible Engagement Options
- Allow written or virtual Q&A submissions for those who may struggle with live questioning.
- Provide quieter networking spaces or structured formats that reduce the pressure of spontaneous interactions.
4. Supervise Quiet Rooms
Address attendee safety by staffing quiet rooms with trained hosts who can offer support and reassurance. EventWell research shows that supervised spaces are preferred by over half of neurodivergent attendees.
5. Include Neurodivergent Voices
Involve neurodivergent individuals in your event planning process. Their lived experiences provide valuable insights into potential barriers and innovative solutions.
A Call to Action
Neurobiases are often invisible to those who don’t experience them, but their impact is profound. The belief that neurodivergent individuals should simply “opt-out” of events if they find them challenging is not only discriminatory but also a missed opportunity to embrace diversity and inclusion.
By recognising and addressing neurobiases, event organisers can create environments where everyone feels welcome, supported, and able to thrive. Events should connect, inspire, and engage, not exclude.
Together, we can break down barriers and ensure no one is left behind.
Need Help Making Your Event Inclusive?
EventWell offers solutions like SensoryCalm Quiet Rooms, SensorySnug Spaces, and EventWell Hosts to support neurodivergent attendees.
Let’s work together to create events where everyone belongs. Reach out today!
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