DAY 3 WORKSHOP • THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER • 14.30 – 15.30
Designing neuroinclusive events – From venue to visitor experience
Creating truly inclusive events requires more than good intentions. Developed through a collaboration between Welcome Brain, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), this workshop explores practical approaches to designing events that better support neurodivergent attendees.
Drawing on real-world experience from both venue and organiser perspectives, the session will share lessons learned, common challenges, and actionable strategies that can be applied across conferences, exhibitions, meetings, and live events.
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Understanding the barriers neurodivergent attendees may face at events
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Practical steps organisers and venues can take to improve accessibility and inclusion
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Applying neuroinclusive principles across event planning, communication, and delivery
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Using checklists and frameworks to embed good practice consistently
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Creating event experiences that are more welcoming, comfortable, and effective for all attendees
Gayle McGuinn, Associate Director of Sales, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)
Sian Thomas, Head of Corporate Engagement and Events, UCISA
Gayle McGuinn
With over 20 years of experience in the events industry, Gayle McGuinn leads association sales at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, working with international associations to bring major conferences to Edinburgh and ensure they deliver meaningful impact.
She has a strong interest in how conferences and events can be designed to be more inclusive and accessible, with a focus on turning good intentions into practical, usable approaches for organisers and venues. This includes her involvement in EICC’s legacy work through The Impact Network, and co-developing the Neurodiversity in Events Checklist in collaboration with ABPCO and Welcome Brain.
Her career spans luxury hotel events, a decade as a PCO, and senior strategic sales roles, giving her a broad understanding of the full event journey from both organiser and venue perspectives. She is passionate about positioning Edinburgh as a leading destination for world class conferences that combine quality, impact and experience.
Sian Thomas
Siân is the Head of Corporate Engagement and Events at UCISA, responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership and management of the UCISA events programme and leading its Corporate Member Scheme.
Siân plays a lead role in creating, developing and managing high quality and efficient services to UCISA members. Siân joined UCISA in 2018 bringing a wealth of experience gained from her career as an Event Manager within hospitality venues and has been at the forefront of UCISA’s transformation programme.