Venue-finding experts ExecSpace, in collaboration with Welcome Brain Neurodiversity Consulting, hosted an insightful and engaging webinar on Accommodating Neurodiversity in Meetings and Events on February 19 2026.
Delivered via Microsoft Teams, the session was led by Andy Williamson, Founder of Welcome Brain Consulting, and Lucy McNicoll, MD for ExecSpace.
The webinar formed part of a wider collaboration between ExecSpace and Welcome Brain, designed to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity and neuroinclusion within the meetings and events industry.
ExecSpace’s MD, Lucy McNicoll, said: “Truly great events are inclusive events. Neurodiversity is an area that deserves far greater awareness, understanding and action across our industry. This collaboration with Welcome Brain allows us to support both our clients and venue partners in creating environments where everyone feels welcome and supported. We are proud to be championing greater awareness of neuroinclusion and driving positive change across meetings and events.”
Andy Williamson, Founder of Welcome Brain Consulting
During the session, Andy explored the rapidly growing importance of neurodiversity, highlighting that: “Around 20% of people identify as neurodivergent, a figure that is even higher among younger generations. Evolving awareness, social change, and increasing demand for inclusive environments will significantly shape the future of the industry over the next five to ten years and potentially lead to changes in legislation.”
Welcome Brain also delivers a Neuroinclusive Venue Accreditation for conference venues, hotels and other event spaces, enabling organisations to demonstrate their neuroinclusive credentials. Through a partnership with Venue Directory, accredited venues can display their Neuroinclusive Accreditation on their profile, and event organisers can filter search results to show only neuroinclusive venues. To learn more about the scheme, visit: https://welcomebrain.com/neuroinclusive-venue-accreditation
To help attendees take immediate action, Andy shared two practical steps that event professionals can implement right away:
- Include Neuroinclusion in Venue Briefs
Event organisers are encouraged to incorporate neuroinclusion into venue briefs, ensuring accessibility and support are considered from the earliest planning stages. - Ask Venues How They Support Neurodivergent Delegates
By asking detailed questions, planners help drive a positive cycle of market demand, encouraging venues to improve their neuroinclusive practices.
A free Neurodiversity in Events Checklist is also available to download on the Welcome Brain website, providing practical guidance for making events more inclusive.
For more information on the collaboration, please get in touch with Lucy McNicoll and her team at ExecSpace: https://execspace.co.uk/
For Welcome Brain’s resources and more information on their work: https://welcomebrain.com/