A new guide has been created for event organisers that will
help them create more accessible and inclusive networking experiences for
neurodivergent attendees.
The Neuroinclusive Networking Guide – developed through the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) Neurodiversity in Events taskforce, which counts Meet Cambridge, the Edinburgh International Conference
Centre (EICC), UCISA, Azura Events and Welcome Brain Consulting as members - provides evidence-based,
practical recommendations to make networking more neuroinclusive.
Traditional networking formats - often noisy, unstructured and socially demanding - can be challenging for
neurodiverse participants. Research conducted by the taskforce found that 81% of respondents feel anxious during networking activities, rising to 94% among those who are neurodivergent.
The new guide, that will be launched at The Meetings Show next week, sets out a self-certifying framework across three levels of
implementation – Silver, Gold and Platinum - to help organisers make
improvements.
Recommendations range from simple, no-cost adjustments that
can be implemented immediately, through to more advanced approaches developed in
collaboration with neurodivergent communities.
Anita Macdonald, marketing manager at Meet Cambridge and an
active member of the ABPCO working group, said: “Networking
remains one of the most important reasons people attend events, but our
research shows the traditional model isn't working for many attendees. More
structure, clearer expectations and greater choice don't just support
neurodivergent people, they improve the experience for everyone.”
Andy Williamson, founder at Welcome Brain
Consulting, added: “Traditional networking relies on outdated formats that
exclude those who experience social anxiety, physical barriers or
neurodivergent differences. Our research shows that both neurotypical and
neurodivergent people dislike many elements of traditional networking. The good
news is that making networking neuroinclusive doesn’t have to be expensive or
difficult”
The taskforce will be discussing the Neuroinclusive Networking Guide at The Meetings Show on Thursday 25 June at 10:40am (Stage Two). Meet Cambridge will also be available to discuss on stand G35.
The Neuroinclusive Networking Guide forms part of ABPCO
taskforce’s wider work to improve accessibility and attendee experience across
the events sector, building on the earlier Neurodiversity
in Events Toolkit.
Jessica Letters, co-chair of ABPCO, said: “Our ABPCO
Neurodiversity in Events taskforce is focused on ensuring the best possible
event experience for everyone, and rethinking how we approach networking is a
crucial next step in making sure all attendees can fully enjoy and benefit from
events.”
