Most event checklists cover logistics, catering, AV, signage. Very few cover the sensory and cognitive experience of the people actually attending. Here’s what a genuinely neuroinclusive checklist looks like.

Planning Stage

Long before doors open, the foundation for an inclusive event is laid in the planning details most organisers overlook.

• Make dyslexia-friendly design choices for your registration page, clear fonts, simple layout, minimal clutter
• Assess accommodation needs directly during registration, not as an afterthought
• Clarify the “hidden curriculum” of your event, dress code, phone usage, expected etiquette, so nobody has to guess
• Enable anonymous submission of questions and feedback throughout the event.

Booking Keynote Speakers

Speaker logistics are rarely thought of as an inclusion issue. They should be.

• Offer accommodations proactively when booking every speaker, not just on request
• Turn on captions for every speech, as standard practice
• Never ask external subject matter experts to speak for free, inclusion includes fair compensation
• Use multimodal communication for Q&A sessions, including verbal and written chat options.

Designing Networking Sessions

Networking is often the most anxiety-inducing part of any event for neurodivergent attendees and one of the easiest to redesign.

• Let attendees indicate communication preferences on their name badges
• Offer both structured and unstructured networking formats, not just open mingling
• Clarify networking etiquette and expectations in advance, so nobody has to guess the unwritten rules
• Minimise harsh sensory stimuli in networking spaces, bright lighting, loud music, and crowded layouts included.

Preventing Overwhelm Throughout the Day

Offer guided tours of the building before the event begins

Designate a genuine sensory-friendly break area

Purchase low-to-no-odour food options

Allow participants to sit or stand freely during sessions

Supply fidget devices as part of standard event swag.

Why a Checklist Changes Outcomes

A checklist works because it removes reliance on memory and good intentions under pressure. Event week is chaotic. A written, structured checklist ensures inclusion doesn’t quietly slip down the priority list when things get busy.

At Calm Nest Collective, we build customised neuroinclusive checklists for every event we support, tailored to your venue, audience, and format.

Get your own neuroinclusive event checklist. [Talk to Calm Nest Collective →]