Designing Events for Brains – not just budgets!

In the events industry, we talk a lot about budgets; margins, footfall, ROI, delegate numbers, square metre costs – all important, all necessary, but we don’t talk nearly enough about brains. The nervous systems moving through our spaces, the sensory load of conferences, the cognitive exhaustion of festivals, the emotional labour of networking, the quiet…
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“No More DIY Support” — What the Autism Act Committee Really Means for Events

Why the House of Lords inquiry signals the end of improvised sensory support, and what the events industry must do next. The House of Lords Autism Act 2009 Committee has this week published its findings, and one message cuts through everything: Support for autistic people can no longer be improvised, superficial, or left to goodwill.…
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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 Permanent Quiet Rooms in Hotels and Venues May Not Be the Best Option for Events

In an increasingly overstimulating world, the demand for quiet spaces at events has grown significantly. People, especially those who are neurodivergent or simply prone to overwhelm, appreciate the opportunity to retreat from noisy, high-energy environments. Quiet rooms, such as EventWell’s SensoryCalm Quiet Rooms, are becoming a staple at events to help attendees decompress and reset.…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Ensuring Inclusive Events: The Importance of Supervising Quiet Spaces for Neurodivergent Attendees and Vulnerable Adults

Creating inclusive and accessible events requires careful consideration of the diverse needs of attendees, including neurodivergent individuals and vulnerable adults. In line with the Care Act of 2014, event managers have a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants. This blog serves as a reminder of the importance of supervising quiet…
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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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Essential Neurodivergent Festive Season Self Care

As we navigate the festive season, it’s crucial to prioritise self care and ensure we’re taking care of ourselves while still embracing our neurodivergent selves and our individual needs. Here are some uplifting tips to help you look after yourself over the next few weeks: Create a sensory-friendly space The time of year can be…
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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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Mental Wellbeing in the Event Industry

This month marks six years since the EventWell began the mission of bringing the topic of mental health in the events industry to the forefront of people’s minds, and this got us thinking about how far we have come since October 2017. While progress has been made, there is still much more work to be…
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Understanding Reasons for Neurodivergent Individuals NOT Attending Events

Why would approximately 8 out of 10 of neurodivergent individuals choose not to attend an event, or choose to attend and then pull out at the very last minute? While each person’s experience is unique, there are several common factors that can contribute to their decision. Understanding these reasons can help event organisers create more…
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Building Trust for Neurodivergent Event Attendees

Neurodivergent individuals have diverse neurological conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Building trust is essential to ensure their comfort, inclusion, and overall positive experience. Do you know how you can build trust and create a welcoming environment for neurodivergent attendees at your events. Let’s explore some strategies to foster trust: 1. Education and…
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The Benefits of a Permanent Quiet Room in your Event Venue

The talk of quiet rooms in the event industry is rife right now, so it can seem like an easy win win as an event venue to put a permanent one in place. You may see one as a new opportunity to add value and bring in new business and sales, and you would probably…
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The Impact of Events on Dyslexic Attendees

Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling skills. Events, with their abundance of written materials and fast-paced nature, can present unique challenges for dyslexic individuals. Today, we want to shed light on the impact of events on individuals with dyslexia. Let’s explore the impact of events on dyslexics and how we…
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The Benefits of Quiet Rooms for the Physical Health of Event Attendees

Quiet rooms, also known as resilience spaces or sensory rooms, provide a designated area where individuals can retreat to find solace and recharge during events. While these spaces are commonly associated with supporting neurodivergent individuals, their impact extends way beyond that. Let’s explore the physical health benefits of quiet rooms: 1. Stress Reduction: Events can…
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Neuroinclusive Event Design – Top Ten Tips

Creating events that are inclusive and considerate of diverse neurological needs is not only essential but also ensures that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the experience. Today, we wanted to share some expert tips on neuroinclusive event design, here are our top ten tips for neuroinclusive event design: 1. Prioritise Accessibility: Make accessibility a…
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10 Fantastic Reasons to make your Event Neuroinclusive

Are you planning an event and want to make it truly special? Well, we’ve got an amazing idea for you: make it neuroinclusive!  Here are 10 fantastic reasons why you should consider making your event neuroinclusive:  Celebrate diversity: By creating an inclusive environment, you’re embracing people of all abilities and backgrounds, fostering a sense of…
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