Sensory Pods Are Not a Replacement for Sensory Support Spaces – Let’s Clear This Up

There’s a growing trend in the events industry to position sensory pods and booths as a solution for neurodivergent attendees. Let’s be really clear: whilst there is a place for sensory pods in events, they are not a replacement for a sensory support space. They never have been, they were never designed to be, and…
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Why We’re Relaunching QSSS™ — And Why the Events Industry Needs More Than Neuroinclusion

I founded EventWell® in 2017 to make a difference to an industry I love. An industry I’ve spent nearly three decades in. Next year marks 30 years working in events – and 10 years of EventWell. One decade of my career dedicated to changing how we think about wellbeing, accessibility, and inclusion in live environments.…
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Designing for Brains, Not Just Access: Why Events Must Move Beyond Neuroinclusion to Neuro-Affirming

Events are, at their core, human experiences. They are built on connection. Conversation. Energy. Shared moments in time. Which means this: if people don’t feel safe to be in those spaces- really be – then the event isn’t working as well as we think it is. For years, the industry has been (rightly) talking about…
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The Quiet Weight of Shame: Living Neurodivergent in a World That Didn’t Understand

There’s something we need to talk about. Not sensory tools, not productivity hacks, not “superpowers.” “Shame“. Not the dramatic kind. The quiet kind. The slow, accumulated kind. The kind that builds when you grow up being called Strange. Weird. Too sensitive. Too intense. Too much. Not enough. And after a while, you start to believe…
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This Is EventWell’s Research. And It Matters.

In 2022, EventWell® conducted independent research exploring the lived experience of neurodivergent individuals and those with mental health conditions attending live events. We surveyed 165 respondents. What we found changed the direction of our work – and ultimately shaped the development of not only our SensoryCalm service and support, but both the Neuroinclusion Maturity Index™…
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Voices From the Quiet Room: Why Lived Experience Must Lead the Conversation on Neuroinclusion

We talk a lot about innovation, creativity, engagement, and experience, but there’s a quieter conversation happening, one that is so often overlooked, yet absolutely essential for the wellbeing and inclusion of thousands of attendees. At EventWell, we see what happens in these spaces every single week; people arriving overstimulated, overwhelmed, exhausted or anxious, and leaving…
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Why the Events Industry Needs the Quiet Room Safety & Supervision Standard (QSSS™)

And why we can’t afford to get this wrong anymore. Quiet rooms are finally becoming a mainstream inclusion feature across conferences, exhibitions, festivals and sporting events, and that’s a brilliant step forward. More organisers are recognising that big crowds, high sensory load and fast-paced environments can be overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent attendees, people with anxiety,…
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“Voices That Shape Us” – Evie Darrell

At EventWell, every host brings a unique story, lived experience, and perspective that shapes the way we create safe, calm, and inclusive spaces for others. Voices That Shape Us is a celebration of those voices, the calm in the crowd, the compassion behind the support, and the lived understanding that makes our SensoryCalm™ spaces what…
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“Voices That Shape Us” – Hannah Smith

At EventWell, every host brings a unique story, lived experience, and perspective that shapes the way we create safe, calm, and inclusive spaces for others. Voices That Shape Us is a celebration of those voices, the calm in the crowd, the compassion behind the support, and the lived understanding that makes our SensoryCalm™ spaces what…
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🧠 Why Your ADHD Brain Craves Protein (And Why That Afternoon Slump Might Not Be About Sugar)

By Helen Moon, Neurodivergent CEO & Founder, EventWell Let’s talk about something I know I’m not alone in, the 3pm shakes, the foggy brain, the sudden need to eat everything in sight, or the strange cravings for yoghurt and eggs like you’re in some kind of protein cult. For years, I thought this was about…
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Why Venues Need to Stop Developing NeuroInclusion Toolkits for the Event Industry

Neuroinclusion in events is not just a trend, it’s a necessity. With research showing that 85% of neurodivergent attendees have avoided events due to fear of overwhelm and that 88% feel event organisers don’t understand their needs, it’s clear that real change is needed. However, a worrying pattern is emerging. Venues across the industry are…
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No Budget or No Buy-In? Rethinking Priorities in Event Accessibility

One of the most common responses we hear when discussing accessibility and inclusion at events is: “We’d love to, but we just don’t have the budget.” But is it really about budget? Or is it about buy-in? No Budget vs No Buy-In When an organiser says they have no budget, what they often mean is…
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The Misconception of the ‘Simple’ Quiet Room in Events

In recent years, many event industry guidance documents and accessibility reports have suggested that a quiet room can be a simple space with just some chairs and adjusted lighting. While this might seem like a well intentioned and easy to implement solution, it is fundamentally flawed and can be actively harmful to neurodivergent attendees and…
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Why Neuroinclusion is Universal Design for All Events

Every event is a neurodiverse event! Whether or not organisers realise it, their attendees include individuals with unique ways of processing the world. This includes neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences. But neurodiversity doesn’t stop there, it also includes neurotypical attendees. Neurodiversity refers to the full spectrum of…
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Neurobiases in the Event Space: Breaking Down Barriers to True Inclusion

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.…
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Why We Need to Stop Defining Individuals by Age Demographics

For decades, society has categorised people into neat age brackets; Millennials, Gen Z, Boomers, (Gen X, the forgotten one!), assuming that these labels accurately represent who we are, how we think, and what we need. But here’s the truth: using age demographics to define individuals often results in stereotypes, misrepresentation, and even discrimination. At EventWell…
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Empowering Movement: Nurturing Mental Health for People with Disabilities

In the discourse surrounding movement and mental health, the experiences and needs of people with disabilities are often overlooked. However, physical limitations should not be barriers to reaping the profound benefits that movement can offer for mental wellbeing. In fact, for individuals with disabilities, incorporating movement into daily life can be particularly empowering, fostering a…
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The Growing Importance of Safeguarding at Events in an Inclusive World

In today’s world, the focus on accessibility and inclusion has become more prominent than ever before. With the increasing awareness and advocacy for diversity and equality, event organisers are facing a growing need to prioritise safeguarding measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants. In this blog post, we will explore why safeguarding…
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The Value of Neurodivergent Speakers at Events: Importance of Support and Accommodations

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and celebrates the diversity of neurological differences among individuals, including those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the unique perspectives and talents that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table, making them valuable speakers at events. In…
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Embracing the Sunflower Lanyard Hidden Disability Scheme at Events: Promoting Inclusivity and Support

The Sunflower Lanyard Hidden Disability Scheme is a subtle yet powerful initiative designed to support individuals with hidden disabilities in navigating public spaces and accessing necessary assistance. The scheme involves wearing a sunflower lanyard or badge to discreetly indicate to staff and others that the wearer may require additional support or understanding due to a…
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The Value of EventWell Buddies and Accessibility Hosts: Enhancing Inclusivity and Support at Events

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of events, prioritising the wellbeing and accessibility of all attendees is crucial to creating a positive and inclusive experience. EventWell Buddies and Accessibility Hosts are dedicated individuals who provide personalised support, guidance, and assistance to attendees, particularly those with specific needs or disabilities. In this blog post, we will…
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Shifting Perceptions: The Rise of Neurodivergence in Mental Health

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how we perceive and understand mental health conditions. Conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Bipolar Disorder, once viewed solely through a lens of pathology, are now increasingly being recognised as forms of neurodivergence. This shift in perspective is driven by a growing understanding of the…
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The Future of Event Management: Embracing a Person-Centric Approach

In the dynamic landscape of the event industry, a paradigm shift towards person-centric event management is not just a trend but a necessity for the future As the expectations of attendees evolve and the demand for personalised experiences grows, event organisers must prioritise the individual’s needs, preferences, and emotions to create truly memorable and impactful…
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Person-Centric vs. Profit-Centric Event Management: Striking a Balance for Success

In the realm of event management, a perennial debate rages on: Is it better to prioritise the individual attendee experience (person-centric) or focus primarily on maximising profits (profit-centric)? While both approaches have their merits, the key to success lies in striking a balance between the two, recognising that attendee satisfaction and financial viability are interconnected…
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Navigating the Anxiety of Disclosing Neurodivergence to Strangers

In a society that often places a premium on conformity and sameness, individuals with neurodivergent conditions face unique challenges when it comes to disclosing their differences to strangers. The fear of judgment, discrimination, and misunderstanding can create a sense of anxiety and pressure that can be overwhelming. This post explores the complexities of disclosing neurodivergence…
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The Realities Behind the Rise in ADHD Diagnosis: Beyond the Fad

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been a subject of much debate and scrutiny over the past year, with some dismissing its prevalence as a mere fad. However, a closer examination reveals that the rise in ADHD diagnoses is a complex issue rooted in societal factors, historical misunderstandings, and disparities in healthcare. First and foremost,…
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Understanding the Neurodiversity Paradigm: We Are All Neurodiverse

How much do you know and understand about Neurodiversity? Have you ever found yourself referring to someone who is Autistic as neurodiverse rather than neurodivergent, when they are really no more neurodiverse than someone who is non-autistic? At EventWell we are firm believers and supporters of the Neurodiversity Paradigm. Neurodiversity (a term coined by sociologist…
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Enhancing Event Experiences with Wellbeing Sessions: The Power of Breathwork

In the fast-paced world of events and conferences, where schedules are packed and demands are high, taking a moment to focus on wellbeing can make all the difference. Incorporating wellbeing sessions such as breathwork, progressive muscle relaxation, and chair yoga into your event can significantly enhance the event experience, leaving attendees feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and…
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Navigating Events with Confidence: Top 5 Tips for Neurodivergent Attendees

Attending events can be an exciting but overwhelming experience for neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, and other neurological differences. In this blog, we share five valuable tips to help neurodivergent attendees navigate events with confidence, ensuring a positive and comfortable experience. 1. Plan Ahead and Familiarise Yourself with the Event Before…
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Eventwell Expands Team by 150%

To support a 400% growth in business and event bookings throughout 2023,  we are excited to announce that we have recruited 13 new EventWell Hosts. The team has been divided into two groups; one for the South and London, and the other for the North. Each team member is currently receiving safeguarding, neurodiversity, and mental…
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