This article originally appeared in CIM Business Events and is republished with permission.
World first guidelines developed in Australia are setting a new global benchmark for neurodivergent inclusive event design.
IMEX America 2026 has achieved the highest level of endorsement available under the Australian Psychological Society’s Neurodivergent Inclusive Event Guidelines.
Developed by the Australian Psychological Society, the guidelines offer practical actions that organisers can apply across the full event journey.
Paula Rowntree, head of external engagement at the Australian Psychological Society, said the endorsement showed what event organisers could achieve when they considered inclusion from the outset.
“Level III endorsement reflects a whole of event approach,” she said.
“It means an organiser has considered how people receive information before they arrive, how they experience the physical environment, how the program supports different needs and how staff can respond with confidence.
“IMEX America is demonstrating that neurodivergent inclusion can sit at the centre of event design rather than being added later. Its leadership gives other organisers a practical example they can learn from and adapt.”
Oli Bailey, interaction design at IMEX, said the endorsement reflected IMEX America’s ongoing focus on event design that prioritises the need of every attendee.
“We know neurodivergent attendees want to make informed decisions about whether an event will work for them,” he said.
“These Guidelines provide a clear, recognisable standard, backed by psychological evidence, that helps organisers create a more inclusive experience.
“They establish a new global benchmark for events and give our global industry a practical framework for embedding inclusion from the outset.”