Dive Brief:
- Marriott International said last week it was partnering with The Neu Project, from Google’s Experience Institute, to make its large-scale events and meetings, consisting of more than 250 people, more accessible to neurodiverse attendees.
- The hotel and lodging brand will provide dedicated quiet rooms to give attendees a break from sensory overwhelm and recover from fatigue, and make real-time closed captioning available for its main stage presentations at all of its larger events around the globe.
- While quiet rooms and other neuro-inclusive practices have begun to spread in the conference and events sectors, Marriott claims it’s the first in the hospitality industry to focus on making its events more neuroinclusive. The company first made these resources available to attendees present at its corporate partnership customer conference in Palm Springs, California, last week.
Dive Insight:
Drew Pinto, Marriott’s chief revenue officer and chief technology officer, said the partnership stems from the company’s commitments to innovation and inclusion. Approximately 15% to 20% of the world’s population has a form of neurodivergence, according to the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics.
Attendees can request tools and resources at registration, such as sensory or fidget toys, noise canceling earplugs, sleep masks and more, as well as ask for details about flashing lights or loud music during the event.
“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,” Pinto said.
The Bethesda, Maryland-based company said it will hold listening sessions with people who are neurodivergent in collaboration with The Neu Project in 2024 to further shape its future content and efforts on neuroinclusivity.
Megan Henshall, who works on Google’s Global Events Strategy, said The Neu Project was formed out of an aspiration to rethink event experiences after the coronavirus pandemic and has spread into an initiative that cuts across industries. In designing The Neu Project, one of Henshall’s focuses was making sure people in the neurodivergent community informed and influenced the work, she told Meetings Today in January.
“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,” Henshall said.
