The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Welcome Brain Consulting, and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has launched a Neurodiversity in Events Toolkit, a pioneering initiative designed to reshape the events industry by embedding genuine inclusivity. Developed in collaboration, this initiative is designed to set out a new standard for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in professional events and workplaces.
With an estimated 1 in 5 people identifying as neurodivergent, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, the need for accessible and welcoming professional spaces has never been more urgent. The events industry, valued at over £61 billion in the UK alone, has a unique opportunity to lead the way in neuroinclusion, ensuring that every participant, speaker, and delegate can fully engage and contribute their expertise.
“Our goal is to establish industry-leading standards for neuroinclusion, so we can create events where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.” said Gayle McGuinn, Head of Association Sales at EICC. “By embracing neurodiversity, we’re not just making events more inclusive – we’re unlocking innovation and creating better experiences for everyone.”
Andy Williamson, Managing Director at Welcome Brain Consulting, added “At Welcome Brain, we strongly believe that inclusive events are better events. This checklist will help the industry take meaningful steps toward that goal. Small, thoughtful changes can have a huge impact—not just for neurodivergent attendees, but for everyone. The Neurodiversity in Events Checklist is designed to be both practical and accessible, giving event professionals clear, actionable steps to make their events truly neuroinclusive.”
Heather Lishman, Association Director at ABPCO, which represents over 200 leading UK event organisers, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative: “We have been thrilled to work alongside the EICC and Welcome Brain Consulting to produce this industry check-list. We look forward to sharing it with our members, and helping to spread the word about how we can better support neuro-inclusion at our members’ conferences and events.”
The toolkit has three main strands:
- Impact: to deliver real, measurable change across the industry. With clear benchmarks for inclusivity, it provides organisations with the tools to assess and enhance their practices, ensuring meaningful outcomes.
- People: Neurodivergent professionals bring exceptional talents in fields such as problem-solving, creativity, and attention to detail.
- Inclusivity: From accessible venue layouts and sensory-friendly event spaces to clearer communication strategies, the toolkit is designed to empower businesses to integrate diverse perspectives into their strategies and decision-making.
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