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NeuroPlaces Monthly - March 2026

  • Mar 30
  • 5 min read
NeuroPlaces logo

Read our March edition of NeuroPlaces Monthly, keeping you in the loop with show updates and industry news.


March Highlights:
  • NeuroPlaces during Neurodiversity Celebration Week

  • Advisory Board Spotlight with Kay Sargent

  • Welcome our new team member, Event Director, Lana Fowler

  • Exhibitor Spotlight with HOK

  • Ambassador Lily Hitchcock shares her ND Story

  • NeuroPlaces 5K Walk for Autism with National Autistic Society



NeuroPlaces Gains 4 new Exhibitors & Sponsors during Neurodiversity Celebration Week



Securing 4 significant partnerships during Neurodiversity Celebration Week this March highlights the growing need for more neuroinclusive, sensory-aware environments that support all neurotypes.


We are proud to have LAYRD as a Gold Sponsor, supporting our 'Reset Lounge'. Urban Planters is a Gold Sponsor, supporting biophilia throughout various areas within the BDC venue. We are also thrilled to have HOK on board as a thought-leadership sponsor and exhibitor alongside BLOQ – our first carpet tile exhibitor.





Advisory Board Spotlight with Kay Sargent


We are bringing together a wonderful team of Advisory Board Members, all of whom play a vital role in shaping NeuroPlaces 2026. 



White lady with long blonde hair, pink blazer, smiling. With a speech bubble saying NeuroPlaces is an important step forward in making neuroinclusive design visible, practical and unavoidable ... we urgently need environments that move beyond good intentions into meaningful, evidence-led action
Alt text: portrait of Kay, a white lady with blonde hair, smiling. HOK logo and a speech bubble saying "To be inclusive, we need to embrace design principles that aid in accommodating various personality traits, work styles and neurotypes."

With four decades of experience, Kay Sargent is a global leader in shaping purposeful, human-centred environments. As Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK, she pioneers workplace strategy and real estate innovation.


A renowned advocate for neuroinclusive design, Kay authored Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces and has testified before the U.S. Congress on the built environment.



Her influence spans advisory roles with Delos, IFMA, and ASID. Recently honoured with the 2025 ASID Luminary of Distinction and recognised as a Top 50 Global FM Influencer, Kay remains at the forefront of creating inclusive, impactful spaces that navigate the future of work.


9 neuroplaces advisory board members, David O'Coimin, Amy Edgar, Andy Williamson, Dawn Scott, Jessie Buckle, Jean Hewitt, Ana Gorriti, Simon Nichols and Helen Moon




Lana brings both professional expertise and personal insight with strong alignment to the mission behind NeuroPlaces and neuroinclusion.


BIG PICTURE THINKER 🧠 

 (ability to think strategically, see long-term plans and how all parts of the event connect) 


PATTERN SPOTTER 🔎 

(skilled in identifying gaps in the market, trends and audience/buyer needs)


CURIOUS EXPLORER 👀 

(keen to know all about your organisation and what it has to offer... not just the superficial – the authentic parts too)





Exhibitor Spotlight with HOK



HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. Our 1,700 people collaborate across a network of 27 offices on three continents.



HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers driven to face the critical challenges of our time.


Dedicated to improving people’s lives, serving clients and healing the planet. Together, HOK cultivates a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose.


Hear from the team at HOK:

"Environments today need to be designed to be inclusive for all...The fact is that today we are living in a time of increased numbers and awareness about individuals with neurosensitives and special needs, such as ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia. Designing for sensory processing and cognitive well-being enables everyone to thrive. Our team at HOK is thrilled to be able to connect with other like-minded thought leaders on neuroinclusion at NeuroPlaces in 2026."

 


Be sure to preschedule one-to-one meetings with the HOK team at NeuroPlaces 2026. Take the opportunity to discuss your needs in person and visit them at their stand!




Stand 6

NeuroPlaces 2026. View floorplan


Connect on socials:




NeuroPlaces Ambassador Shares her 'ND Story'


Image of Ariane, a white woman with long brown hair, smiling
Alt text: a portrait of Lily, a white female, wearing glasses, looking directly at the camera, smiling.

Lily Hitchcock


Lily is the founder of Seen., a creative studio focused on branding, content and marketing strategy for businesses that want to feel more human. She’s neurodivergent and passionate about creating inclusive, thoughtful work that actually makes sense to real people.


Outside of work, Lily loves being in nature, spending time with her family, and indulging her love of fashion and interiors. She believes creativity thrives when we’re supported, understood, and free to be ourselves.



Fun fact: "I deep dived into all things neurodiversity following my eldest daughter's diagnosis (this led me to my own and then my husband's diagnosis)."


Snippets from Lily's ND Story:


Click here to read Lily's full ND Story.


Connect on socials:


Want to become a NeuroPlaces ambassador? Email us at: hello@neuro-places.com



Hear from a Confirmed Attendee


“The NeuroPlaces conference will be a fantastic opportunity for us to exchange new perspectives with other organisations and individuals, which will help build on the actions in our customer inclusion plan."



Join us on a 5K Walk for Autism

As part of World Autism Acceptance Month, April 2026



Alt text: Orla, mini co-founder, jumps off the Brighton seafront wall onto the pebbly beach. Text says 5K Walk for Autism, April 19, Brighton and Hove. NAS and NeuroPlaces logos.
Alt text: Orla, mini co-founder, jumps off the Brighton seafront wall onto the pebbly beach. Text says 5K Walk for Autism, April 19, Brighton and Hove. NAS and NeuroPlaces logos.

We would love for you to join us on our charity fundraiser walk on behalf of our wonderful partners – the National Autistic Society.


Orla (our autistic daughter) will be leading the way, so there are bound to be many regulation snack breaks!


Sunday 19th April 2026, 10 am.

Starting at Hove Lagoon Beach Cafe and walking along Hove seafront towards Brighton.


Click here to donate.






Image of a young girl jumping off of a wall onto a pebbly beach, blue skies
Alt text: Orla holds hands with her younger brother, photo taken from behind as they look ahead into an outdoor playground.

Living Neurodivergently


Behind NeuroPlaces is a family navigating everyday life.


Orla is autistic and has suspected ADHD, which is the reason behind NeuroPlaces. This month's photo captures a small moment with big meaning.


Orla looks ahead with her brother to a space that should feel welcoming and full of joy for every child, but in reality, it does not.


Inclusive design matters in spaces like parks. All children should feel their needs have been accounted for.


Good News for Neuroinclusion


We love spreading positive news about neuroinclusion. Here are a few articles we cheered on this month.




Exhibitor spaces and sponsorship opportunities are now open for 2026.


Do not miss the opportunity to join our impressive list of exhibitors, sponsors, and partners and position your brand at the forefront of neuroinclusive innovation.





 
 
 

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