DELIVERING NEURO-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES AT ASM GLOBAL-MANAGED VENUES
Grounded in its commitment to delivering unparalleled live experiences, ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management company, features a growing number of convention centers in its portfolio that can accommodate neurodivergent attendees, creating an inclusive environment for everyone and adding an inclusion component important to groups and organizations.
Neurodivergent people make up approximately 20 percent of the global population, according to The Neu Project. The most well-known types of neurodivergence include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette Syndrome, and sensory processing issues. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which is part of the environment in venues such as convention centers.
Key and recent inclusion initiatives at ASM Global-managed convention centers:
Some sensory-friendly features are:
- Dedicated sensory rooms for guests who need a quieter space where they can feel safe and secure in the event of a sensory overload;
- Sensory bags equipped with special identification badges for guests to wear, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads to comfort guests who may be overwhelmed by the busy environment;
- “Social stories” to view the sensory features and the social story, providing a preview of what they can expect when they arrive at the venue;
- Dedicated trained staff.
What our team is saying:
Leslie Nutter, ECI, marketing and media manager, and Amy Huggins, director of culture, Greater Columbus Convention Center/ASM Global:
“We have learned that the more your team members are engaged and trained in sensory inclusiveness, the better the guest experience will be. We strive to walk the facility often to find the best place for dedicated quiet zones. With the flexibility of our spaces, we can change virtually any space to become sensory-friendly. Working with the show managers during the early planning process helps a lot as well to ensure guests receive the most optimal experience and also to be aware of the amenities.”
Alysia Guin (she/her), sales and marketing manager, Raising Cane’s River Center:
“Building a sensory-friendly environment was definitely more of an extensive process than just building a room. The biggest piece of the project, in my opinion, was to work alongside KultureCity to ensure all of our staff was trained in how to work with guests who have sensory-related issues. That education process is something that is continuously evolving, so one thing to note for all venues is that it’s something that you constantly have to work toward, and having a person at the venue championing the program is essential to make sure all staff is always educated to create the best experience possible for guests.”
Rich Carollo, director of sales and services, Colorado Convention Center:
“We have front-line staff sensory trained, sensory kits are available to those who need them, and we’ve also built a sensory room with a soundproof egg chair. It’s available for guests and staff and is very much appreciated by those who use it.”
Carrie Yauch, director of sales and marketing, David L. Lawrence Convention Center:
“Being KultureCity certified has had practical applications, as is the intention; there have been multiple instances of attendees asking for items in the sensory bag, like the headphones or the fidget toys, and we have utilized our quiet spaces often. It’s a benefit that seems slow to start, but as people hear about it, and understand what it is and how readily available it is, it is asked for more often.”