NeuroPlaces Monthly - January 2026
- esearsy
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Read our January edition of NeuroPlaces Monthly, keeping you in the loop with show updates and industry news. This month's highlights include:
- Welcome our first Ambassador, Ariane Sanders
- New Exhibitor Announcement with Activity Group
- Advisory Board Spotlight with Dawn Scott
- We are 'Neurodiversity First Responder' trained
- A Shared Goal for 2026
Starting off 2026 Strong!
We are starting off 2026 in a positive place, backed by 22 organisations — all aligned and with a shared mission. We are proud to work with public bodies, charities, design practices, consultancies, media outlets, and leading industry organisations who are showing up for neuroinclusion in public spaces and workplaces.
Each one, committed to making real, practical change — not just conversations. Many great relationships are blossoming behind the scenes which we can't wait to share with you soon.
Want to see your logo amongst this impressive group? Email us at hello@neuro-places.com
A Warm Welcome to a Wonderful Ambassador!
Ariane Sanders
Sonda Studio
Meet Ariane, the first of many wonderful ambassadors championing neuroinclusion
and the inaugural edition of NeuroPlaces
taking place this autumn.
Ariane is an interior designer and the founder
of Sonda Studio, specialising in sensory-aware workplace design. Ariane is most inspired when out in nature and her core aim is to design
workplaces that reduce overwhelm, support
clearer thinking and help people feel grounded and connected.
Fun fact: As a keen hobby photographer, Ariane specialises in double exposure, 'Layers of Life' on Instagram.
Ariane says, "My brain works in an atypical, highly intuitive way, and I experience the world intensely through my senses. This perspective shapes how I design and gives me a deep awareness of how environments influence clarity, comfort and emotional balance.
NeuroPlaces is not only an event, it is a growing community spreading awareness of a simple but powerful truth: every person experiences spaces differently."
Connect on socials:
Want to become a NeuroPlaces ambassador? Email us atl: hello@neuro-places.com
Exhibitor Spotlight with Creative Activity Group
Creative Activity Group are pioneers in bespoke sensory solutions. delivering innovative experiences for spaces beyond education. From world-class football stadiums to workplaces, transport hubs, retail environments, hospitality, and large-scale events, they design sensory concepts that meet the unique needs of any setting.
With experience in projects such as Everton Football Club, Bolton Wanderers, and other high-profile venues, Creative Activity Group combine creativity and expertise to craft spaces that support calm, regulation, and inclusivity for all users.
Alt text: a collage of images from projects completed by Creative Activity Group, including sensory rooms, a woman showing a young child a feature wall, a soft play area with a ball pit, LED sensory bubble tubes, and an image of the sensory room at Everton Football club.
"Our approach is fully collaborative, ensuring your space, budget, and audience requirements
are at the heart of every design... our solutions are adaptable across industries, making us the ideal partner for organisations looking to enhance wellbeing, accessibility, and public engagement.
We’ll be highlighting our innovative, adaptable solutions that cater to the unique needs of users, fit any space and budget, and promote calm, regulation, and engagement.
NeuroPlaces is important because it brings together organisations and innovators from across sectors, helping to inspire more inclusive, sensory-conscious environments. We’re proud to be part of a platform that encourages creativity, collaboration, and solutions that make everyday spaces accessible and welcoming for everyone."
Stand 52
NeuroPlaces 2026. View floorplan
Connect on socials:
Interested in becoming an exhibitor? Enquire here
NeuroPlaces' Founders are CPD Certified 'Neurodiversity First Responders'
Welcome Brain, our official inclusive events partner offers Neurodiversity First Responder Training for organisations looking to ensure that somebody is equipped to respond when a neurodivergent colleague, student, or customer is in distress.
What’s covered:
Understanding the role and responsibilities of a Neurodiversity First Responder.
Spotting triggers and early warning signs of distress.
Safe, respectful communication strategies that protect autonomy.
Role play and feedback to practise real-time responses.
Strategies for restoring trust and dignity after a crisis.
Alt text: two CPD certified certificates for Eliza and Nathan in Neurodiversity First Responder training and the Welcome Brain logo.
Interested in Neurodiversity First Aid Training? Find out more on the Welcome Brain website
Hear from a Confirmed Attendee
"ACC Liverpool is delighted to attend NeuroPlaces and join the conversation on advancing understanding and innovation around neurodiversity. We are committed to creating inclusive experiences and are excited to learn from, and contribute to, this important dialogue."
Advisory Board Spotlight with Dawn Scott - Senior Colour Designer, Dulux Trade
We are bringing together a wonderful team of Advisory Board members, all playing a vital role in shaping NeuroPlaces 2026.
This month, we are getting to know Dawn from Dulux Trade. A Senior Colour Designer with nearly 25 years' experience across public, workplace, and commercial environments.
Specialising in colour
for wellbeing and neuroinclusive design, Dawn helps translate research, regulation
and lived experience
into practical, sensory-aware spaces that support clarity, comfort
and inclusion.
Dawn brings a depth of experience and insight that strengthens NeuroPlaces as a movement and an event. Through her work, she understands how colour and material choices shape how people feel in spaces — particularly those with sensory sensitivities.
This perspective helps keep our conversations grounded in what works in real environments, not just in theory making neuroinclusive design even more practical, accessible, and part of everyday decision-making across public spaces and workplaces.
We are so thrilled to have Dawn on board!
Did you Hear About our B2B Matchmaking Service ?
We know that meaningful connections are at the heart of every successful event. That's why our B2B service goes beyond just networking and presence on the floor.
Our dedicated B2B matchmaking programme is designed to connect solution providers (exhibitors) and buyers (attendees) before, during, and after the event.
This process takes away uncertainty on ROI as well as aligning heavily with our mission to design for every mind; providing increased predictability and structure through pre-arranged meetings.
We create opportunities for targeted, high-value meetings between those who can truly benefit from each other's expertise, services, and needs. This is where real-world change occurs.
Want to learn more about our B2B matchmaking service? Click here
Share your ND Story!
We are collecting personal stories from neurodivergent people, sharing their lived experiences of public spaces and workplaces. Read our ND Stories here
We also want to highlight positive neuroinclusive stories/news from organisations paving the way in this space — we champion all efforts!
Want to share your ND story with us? Send us an email - hello@neuro-places.com
Living Neurodivergently
Behind NeuroPlaces is a family of five, navigating day-to-day life.
Orla is autistic, suspected ADHD, and is at the heart of everything we do. Each month, we'll share small, real moments that reflect her experience – and ours.
This felt like a good way to start 2026. Orla, launching herself off the Brighton seafront wall into the pebbles – a moment of confidence, freedom, and feeling safe enough to take the leap.
Good News for Neuroinclusion
We love spreading positive news about neuroinclusion, here are a few articles we cheered on in January.
Exhibitor spaces and sponsorship opportunities are now open for 2026.
Do not miss the opportunity to position your brand at the forefront of neuroinclusive innovation.