Autism-Europe, an international
association championing the rights of autistic people and their families, has
been handed $5,000 to help make their next congress more accessible.
The
organisation scooped the 2025 Incredible Impacts Seed Grant, awarded by ICCA
and Best Cities Global Alliance to associations in the early stages of legacy
programme.
The
grant will help set new standards in event accessibility, enhance advocacy for
inclusive employment, and strengthen community engagement as they prepare to
host the 14th Autism-Europe
Congress (AEC 2025) in Dublin (11–13
September).
AsIAm
(Ireland’s Autism charity) and Fáilte
Ireland will share in the
award.
Loren
Christie, managing director of BestCities Global Alliance, said: “This project
embodies everything the Incredible Impacts Programme stands for. It’s bold,
heartfelt, and visionary — driven by a genuine commitment to inclusion and
advocacy that will ripple far beyond Dublin. Autism-Europe and AsIAm aren’t
just planning a congress — they’re shaping a more inclusive future”.
Adam
Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said: “On behalf of the 14th Autism-Europe Congress, I am
honoured to be awarded the Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Grant. The grant
will help us to work towards creating a fully inclusive congress and will
contribute to our overall vision of a society where every autistic person is
accepted as they are — equal, valued, and respected.”
Meanwhile
ICCA has also announced the finalists for the $20,000 Main Grant, who will
present their impact-driven projects at the 64th
ICCA Congress,in Porto,in November:
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “This year’s programme
is one of the strongest we’ve ever seen, with outstanding projects that reflect
the heart and purpose of our industry. Their work represents the best of what
associations can achieve — impacting lives, advancing knowledge, and leaving a
meaningful footprint for the future.”
The winner of the Incredible Impacts award will be announced
at the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal, this November. For
more information visit incredibleimpacts.com.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
