Marriott International has announced plans to incorporate ‘neuroinclusive’ practices at its own customer events with 250 people or more.
The move follows a partnership with The Neu Project, an initiative from Google’s Experience Institute, which aims to share resources to help create more inclusive meetings and events for neurodivergent attendees.
The inclusive practices, now on offer globally, include a ‘quiet room’ for recovery from sensory overload and where attendees can take a break to manage fatigue, real-time subtitles and closed captions for main stage presentations, and the availability of tools such as sensory and fidget toys, noise-cancelling ear plugs, sleep masks, sunglasses, printed agendas and venue maps, and details about loud music, flashing lights or surprise moments taking place during the event.
“Grounded in our commitments to innovation and inclusion, Marriott is dedicated to making meetings and events more accessible for everyone,” said Drew Pinto, executive vice president and chief revenue & technology officer at Marriott International.
“The Neu Project is a driving force in this space, and we look forward to working jointly with them, along with the neurodivergent community, to deepen our understanding of neurodivergent needs in order to truly welcome all.”
The group’s neuroinclusive practices are initially being previewed at Marriott’s Corporate Partnership Customer Conference, The Exchange, currently taking place at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California.
Marriott has previously collaborated with The Neu Project to implement inclusive practices at events in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Madrid.
The hotel group said in 2024 it plans to further its neuroinclusion efforts “by conducting active listening sessions with the community through conversations with The Neu Project and people who are neurodivergent, which will help shape future content”.
Megan Henshall, global events strategy at Google, added: “The Neu Project was born out of a desire to rethink event experiences post-pandemic, and has since grown into a major initiative that is driving change at events across industries.
“Marriott understands that creating environments where differing perspectives and experiences can come together boosts creativity, and we have witnessed their passion for increasing inclusivity at meetings and events. We’re excited to continue working with them as we strive to create more inclusive experiences with and for the neurodivergent community.”
