The new Courtyard Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport has seven meeting rooms and a ballroom seating 660 pax for banquets. Photo Credit: Marriott International
Marriott International will incorporate neuroinclusive practices at
Marriott-hosted customer events of 250 people or more globally. It has
partnered with The Neu Project,
an initiative from Google’s Experience Institute (Xi) that aims to
share resources designed to enhance the inclusive experience during
meetings and events for neurodivergent attendees.
Some 15-20% of the world’s population has neuro differences,
including ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, dyslexia,
epilepsy, and Tourette Syndrome, according to the National Cancer
Institute, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics.
In 2022, the Google Experience Institute launched The Neu Project to
demystify and educate event professionals on the design of more
neuroinclusive experiences through a helpful guide and checklist.
“Marriott is dedicated to making meetings and events more accessible
for everyone. 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,” said Drew Pinto, executive VP and chief revenue
& technology officer, Marriott International.
The features of Marriott-hosted customer meetings and events:
· Quiet room: a dedicated room for recovery from “sensory
overwhelm”, restoration and regulation. Designed to foster the physical,
emotional, and mental well-being of attendees, the room will serve as a
calming retreat where guests can break from the event to manage
fatigue, overload and/or sensory needs.
· Tools and resources: at registration, event attendees will
have the opportunity to request various tools to better accommodate
their needs, including sensory and fidget toys, noise cancelling ear
plugs, sleep masks, sunglasses, printed agendas, venue maps, and early
information about loud music, flashing lights or surprise moments taking
place during the event.
· Closed captioning for main stage presentations: real-time
subtitles and captions will be available on-screen during main stage
event and conference presentations.
Over the past two years, Marriott has collaborated closely with The
Neu Project to learn directly from the neurodivergent community. The
company has already begun introducing neuroinclusive practices at
customer events, including a quiet room and tools and resources at both
THE EXCHANGE: Association Masters in the US, and THE EXCHANGE: Europe in
Spain. Last month, Marriott and The Neu Project also implemented a
quiet room for attendees at IMEX America.
"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,” said Megan Henshall, strategic lead, Global Events Solutions,
Google.
In 2024, Marriott will enhance its neuroinclusion efforts with active
listening sessions in the community through conversations with The Neu
Project and people who are neurodivergent.