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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Who Owns Neuroinclusion at Events?

Let’s Draw a Clear Line. In conversations across the industry, we keep hearing the same thing: “The venue handles accessibility.”“We’ve got a quiet room in the building.”“That’s covered in facilities.” Let’s be clear. Neuroinclusion is not a facilities feature, it is a duty of care responsibility and while venues play a critical role in providing…
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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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Neurodiversity: Not a Modern Phenomenon but an Evolutionary Strength

We often think of neurodiversity, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences, as something new, something we’ve only recently begun to understand. But what if these ways of thinking, processing, and experiencing the world aren’t modern anomalies at all, but deeply rooted parts of our evolutionary story? From an evolutionary perspective, there’s a compelling argument…
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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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Mental and Cognitive Load: The Hidden Hurdles for Neurodivergent Event Attendees

Attending an event might seem like a straightforward decision for many people. Browse the lineup, grab a ticket, plan an outfit, and show up. However, for neurodivergent individuals, the decision to attend an event is far more complex, laden with mental and cognitive considerations that neurotypical attendees may not even think twice about. In this…
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Temporary Vulnerability in Sensory Overwhelm and Mental Distress

Sensory overwhelm and mental distress can lead to temporary vulnerability where individuals are unable to fully process their environment, make safe decisions, or communicate their needs effectively. This state can arise suddenly, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, people with mental health challenges, or those experiencing situational stress (e.g., at a crowded or intense event). Key aspects…
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Why Event Organisers Should Invest in Supervised and Properly Resourced Sensory Spaces

In today’s events landscape, accessibility and inclusion are not optional, they are legal, ethical, and reputational imperatives. Providing supervised and properly resourced sensory spaces and quiet rooms is a critical investment for event organisers, especially considering the growing recognition of the needs of neurodivergent individuals and the legal obligations surrounding these provisions. Legal Considerations: Equality…
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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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10 Tips for Moving More to Boost Your Mental Health

Prioritising physical activity is more important than ever for maintaining our mental health and overall wellbeing. Incorporating movement into our daily lives not only improves physical fitness but also has profound benefits for our mental health, reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing cognitive function. If you’re looking to move more and reap the mental health…
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Top 10 Tips for Event Professionals to Stay Active and Boost Mental Health Between Events

Event professionals lead dynamic, fast-paced lives, often juggling multiple responsibilities and deadlines. In the midst of managing our events, it’s essential we prioritise self-care and physical activity to support our mental wellbeing. We also know how physically active and hands on working on an event can be (anyone who’s ever counted the number of steps…
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Moving Minds: The Intersection of Movement and Neurodivergent Mental Health

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the profound impact that movement can have on mental health and wellbeing. However, this relationship is particularly significant for individuals who are neurodivergent – those whose neurological development and functioning differs from what is perceived to be the typical norm. From autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to…
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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 Mind-Body Connection: How Movement Nurtures Mental Health

In a world where screens dominate our attention and sedentary lifestyles are the norm, the importance of movement for mental health cannot be overstated. Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, the impact on our mental wellbeing is profound and multifaceted. Let’s explore why movement is not just good but essential for nurturing our mental health.…
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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 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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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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The Cost of Exclusion: Why Event Organisers Should Prioritise Quiet Spaces for Neurodivergent Attendees

Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at events is essential for accommodating the diverse needs of attendees, including neurodivergent individuals. However, some event organisers may cite budget constraints as a reason for not providing quiet spaces at their events. In this post, we explore why using budget as an excuse for excluding quiet spaces is…
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Supporting Others at Christmas

As we are days away from Christmas Day, it’s important to remember that not everyone experiences the same joy and happiness that the festive season brings. There are so many other ways to give that don’t involve presents as gifts have many guises. This year, let’s make an extra effort to support those who may…
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Making Your Home Sensory Friendly at Christmas

The holiday and festive season can be pretty overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Here are some top tips to make your home more sensory friendly as we head into 2024: Soft Lighting Consider using soft, warm lighting instead of bright, flashing lights. Opt for gentle string lights or candles to create…
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Remembering Christmas isn’t easy for some

The festive season, while often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, can be incredibly challenging for many individuals. It’s important to be compassionate and recognise that not everyone experiences the same level of happiness during this time. Here are a few reasons why the festive season isn’t easy for everyone:  Loneliness For those…
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Why Should Quiet Rooms at Events be Supervised?

Quiet rooms at events should be supervised for several reasons. Firstly, supervision ensures the safety and well-being of individuals using the quiet room. By having a responsible person present, any emergencies or incidents can be promptly addressed and appropriate action can be taken. This supervision can include trained staff or volunteers who are knowledgeable about…
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Let’s Talk About the Connection Between Quiet Rooms and Safeguarding!

Let’s talk about the important connection between quiet rooms and safeguarding!  Did you know that quiet rooms play a crucial role in creating safe spaces for individuals? They provide a haven where people can seek solace, find comfort, and take a break from the outside world. But here’s the thing – ensuring the safety and…
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The Power of Silence: How the Inclusion of a Quiet Room Boosts Event Attendee Numbers

Introduction: In today’s fast-paced and noisy world, finding moments of tranquillity and respite has become increasingly challenging. Recognising this need, event organisers have started incorporating quiet rooms into their events. These dedicated spaces provide attendees with a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle, ultimately enhancing their overall experience. This post explores how the inclusion…
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How Does Attending Events Impact on Health

As event organisers how much do we really understand about the health impact attending events has on our visitors, attendees, exhibitors and stakeholders? Do we recognise that the impact can be significant not just anyone living with mental or physical health conditions, and/or neurodiversity, but for all attendees? In today’s technological age we have a…
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