What: Autism Europe Congress September 2025
Where: Royal Dublin Society
Delegate numbers: 1,800
Economic impact: €3.44m
The 14th Autism-Europe International Congress, held in Dublin, 11–13 September, 2025, marked a significant milestone in inclusive event design. The event was a coordinated and collaborative effort by partners AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, who all worked together on an intentional impact project to define and measure the positive impact of the Congress.
The city of Dublin had committed to working with AsIAm with a goal of becoming the world’s first autism friendly capital city.
Other partners instrumental in delivering what was a truly inclusive event experience were Keynote PCO and the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) venue.
The Congress was well attended, with 1,800 participants, including autistic individuals, families, researchers and professionals from across Europe and beyond.
Co-creation
Right from inception, the Autism Europe Congress embodied a profound commitment to co-creation with the autistic community.
The strategy was to place autistic voices at the heart of every stage of planning and delivery – from a majority autistic scientific committee and speaker line-up, to clear guidelines for all contributors to ensure autism-affirming content. Every element of the event was designed to reflect the lived experiences and expertise of autistic individuals.
The overarching 2025 Congress theme was ‘Quality of Life – Research, Policy and Practice’.
AsIAm was the first autistic-led organisation to host the Autism Europe Congress and the charity partnered with Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, on an intentional impact project to define and measure its positive impact.
Inclusive Event Design was identified as a key priority throughout and in pursuing this ideal, Fáilte Ireland was able to rely on its already established Accessible and Inclusive Tourism team – set up in 2024 as part of a major commitment to making Ireland a world-class destination for all visitors, regardless of ability, identity or personal circumstances.
The Accessibility and Inclusivity Event Team at the Autism Europe Congress 2025 also adopted Fáilte Ireland’s Business Access Checklists – Event Organisers and Business and Community Event Venues – part of a broader initiative to ensure that all delegates feel genuinely welcome and included at events across the country.
The checklists are designed to help event organisers and venues assess how ready an event is, and to identify practical changes that can be made to enhance the overall accessibility of an event, from pre-travel information, through event communications, and to access around the event and customer service.
Prior to the Autism Europe Congress 2025, delegates were surveyed to gauge previous experiences of attending conferences. This provided valuable insights on the impact of accessibility barriers, as well as pointing to potential solutions. The survey showed that:
- 59% of respondents indicated that a lack of detail had led to feelings of uncertainty and unpredictability.
- 72% felt that conference hosts/planners had not considered adjustments around sensory overload and difference.
- 65% felt that had needed to mask their autistic traits in order to network successfully.
The post-event survey results were also illuminating, showing:
- 73% of respondents felt that the pre-event visitor information this time reduced uncertainty and unpredictability.
- 71% felt that the Autism Europe Congress 2025 hosts/planners had considered adjustments around sensory overload and difference.
- The ethos of the Congress reduced the need to mask while attending.
Other strategies included s sensory walk through the RDS venue – designed to access the venue from the perspective of the delegates and identify potential sensory challenges as well as exploring ways to make the space more inclusive and welcoming.
A tailored Visual Guide was also created with AsIAm and Keynote PCO to support delegates. Sharing visual guides in advance of events has been shown to reduce uncertainty by providing clear, predictable information. And, by using images, icons, and simple language, content can be made easier to process.
Attendees were given the option to select a quiet registration and those who opted in were directed to a dedicated registration desk, where they could collect their name badges in a more peaceful setting. Delegates also had the option of registering the day before Congress.
Organisers recognised that delegates might require various equipment – such as headphones, sunglasses, comfortable clothing, hats, or fidget tools.
There were comprehensive wayfinding measures implemented by AsIAm and Keynote PCO throughout the venue. Clear, accessible signage was positioned across the site, making navigation as straightforward as possible.
A registration walkthrough video was also shared prior to the event.
Digital inclusion was actively embraced to ensure that all attendees could engage meaningfully with the Congress website and app, and an accessibility audit was carried out prior to the Congress to identify potential barriers that may affect the user’s experience, including a proactive approach to shaping a fully accessible digital experience.
Many autistic staff and volunteers worked at the Congress, ensuring that autistic delegates felt represented right at the heart of the process.
A dedicated Quiet Space was available in the President’s Room throughout proceedings – an accessible, low-stimulation area open to all delegates who may need a quieter environment to reflect, or take a break from the busy event spaces. A mobile sensory space was also provided by Dublin City Council and sensory friendly furniture was provided by Congress partner Codex.
Significant outdoor areas were provided for delegates to enjoy. And, to reduce sensory unpredictability, ‘flappause’ was encouraged throughout the Congress (delegates waving their hands instead of clapping to show appreciation, and thus minimising auditory stimulation).
Accessibility
Accessibility requirements were captured in the pre-event registration and delegates with specific access requirements or in need of assistance during the event were encouraged to speak with staff in advance. Step-free access was ensured across all main event areas.
Key learnings
AsIAm
“Hosting the Autism Europe Congress provided us with an opportunity to demonstrate accessibility at scale. Too often it can be assumed that certain environments or experiences are simply not inclusive of our community. For us, this event was far more than just an opportunity to share research and best practice from across Europe – it was about leaving a lasting legacy in our country and raising the bar in terms of the expectations our community should have in terms of their right to participate in and access professional events – the opportunity to collaborate with Failte Ireland to document this process has created an invaluable opportunity to influence and educate the wider events and tourism sector and, in line with Ireland’s Autism Innovation Strategy, to embed inclusive practices across Irish life.”
Failte Ireland:
“Through our partnership with AsIAm, we gained valuable insights into how true inclusivity can be embedded not only in international events, but also in our day-to-day lives.
“One of the most impactful learning experiences was participating in the sensory mapping of the venue. It provided a deeper understanding of the importance of accessibility and inclusion and highlighted practical ways to improve the event experience for all.
“Additionally, the opportunity to share our Accessible and Inclusive Tourism resources with AsIAm, Keynote PCO, and the RDS was invaluable. This exchange of knowledge and experience has laid the groundwork for future enhancements, informed by the collective insights of all partners involved.”
