Employee Perspective: Embracing Accommodation as the Future of Design
11.21.24
Jen Worster
Sr. Production Coordinator,
InVision Communications
Employee Perspective: Embracing Accommodation as the Future of Design
At InVision, we've built our reputation on experiential event design, immersive communication, and innovative solutions. Imperative to delivering memorable experiences is our deep understanding of our teams and the audiences we intend to reach, and finding the most impactful ways to do so. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) extends beyond our company into the fabric of our industry. Through monthly DEIA initiatives, we reflect on our values, embrace our diverse identities, and shape our workplace and the programs we deliver. By fostering self-reflective conversations, we celebrate our differences, which inspire creativity and strengthen connections with our communities and our client’s audiences.
Drawing inspiration from a recent InVision DEIA discussion and a guest speaker expert on neurodiversity in the workplace and at events, four key insights emerged:
The Rise of Neurodiversity Awareness in Events
As awareness of neurodiversity increases, companies and event professionals must prioritize creating environments that accommodate a wide range of cognitive and sensory needs. Doing so increases participation and innovation, while aligning with evolving legal, ethical, and cultural expectations.
Our journey toward understanding accommodation from all angles led InVision to an eye-opening realization: making room for small gestures can lead to transformative changes, both within our own company and for our clients. Simple acts like adjusting spreadsheets for color-deficient colleagues can grow into larger initiatives such as designing inclusive marketing materials or crafting keynote experiences that resonate with everyone. Adding transcripts or increasing visibility during virtual meetings evolves into advocacy for more inclusive options for attendees who are hard of hearing.
Unlocking Untapped Potential in Events
A powerful insight shared by Megan Henshall, Global Solutions Strategist and leader of The Neu Project, is that 85% of individuals with a mental health condition or neurodivergence have avoided attending events due to the fear of becoming overwhelmed or triggered. This statistic is a wake-up call for all of us. We need to see accommodation as a creative opportunity to unlock potential and reach wider audiences, and not just a logistical necessity.
The Neu Project has been groundbreaking in this space, offering toolkits, how-to guides, and resources that analyze how activating more members of our community enhances experiences for everyone. This approach is not just about compliance or checking boxes—it’s about creating environments where all attendees feel seen, welcomed, and valued. When people are included, the entire event benefits.
Accommodating for Creativity and Inclusivity
Around 20% of the population is estimated to exhibit some form of neurodivergence (source: Gallup). When you couple that with the statistic about event non-attendance among this demographic, it becomes clear that traditional event formats may not capture the full spectrum of potential attendees. This opens an exciting door for event professionals: how can we reshape “accommodation” into a foundational aspect of event design rather than an afterthought?
Rather than seeing accommodations as a challenge, we should view them as the first stepping stone for creativity. The question becomes, how do we make inclusivity a natural part of the story we want to tell? How can we build accommodation into the event’s red thread, ensuring seamless cohesion in design and execution?
Creating Hugs, Not Barriers
Accommodation, in its simplest form, is how a brand, company, or event can "hug" as many people as possible. When done well, it doesn’t just build brand loyalty with individual attendees—it creates momentum for industry-wide change. Event professionals at the cutting edge of creative inclusion and accessibility – in all aspects – will meet the needs of today’s audiences and set the standard for future events.
As experiential marketers, we are responsible for shaping our industry's future by embracing accommodation as the cornerstone of creative event design and a driving force behind creativity and engagement. By focusing on DEIA, we create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued. This, in turn, enhances the overall experience for everyone involved.
If you’re ready to join us on this journey, we’re here to collaborate, innovate, and transform the future of events – one inclusive experience at a time. Reach out to your InVision account director today or info@iv.com, and let’s start building a more accessible future for all.