IMEX America has been recognised for comprehensive action to support neurodivergent attendees ahead of its October 2026 event in Las Vegas.
Event guideline standards for neurodivergent people, unlike anything previously available to the industry, have been achieved by IMEX America 2026. The show has achieved the highest level of endorsement available under the Australian Psychological Society’s (APS) Neurodivergent Inclusive Event Guidelines.
Developed by the APS, with direct input from neurodivergent people, the guidenlines have attempted to bring lived experience together with psychological evidence to translate both into practical actions that organisers can apply across the full event journey.
Implementing the guidelines, IMEX claims, represents a shift towards event experiences that reduce avoidable barriers and enable more people to participate fully and confidently.
IMEX America will bring the international business events community together at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas 13-15 October, having achieved a Level III endorsement, the highest available under the APS Guidelines.
Paula Rowntree, head of external engagement at the Australian Psychological Society, said the endorsement showed what event organisers could achieve when they considered inclusion from the outset.
“Level III endorsement reflects a whole of event approach. It means an organiser has considered how people receive information before they arrive, how they experience the physical environment, how the programme supports different needs and how staff can respond with confidence,” Ms Rowntree said.
“IMEX America is demonstrating that neurodivergent inclusion can sit at the centre of event design rather than being added later.”
“We know neurodivergent attendees want to make informed decisions about whether an event will work for them. These Guidelines provide a clear, recognisable standard, backed by psychological evidence, that helps organisers create a more inclusive experience,” said IMEX interaction design, Oli Bailey.
“They establish a new global benchmark for events and give our global industry a practical framework for embedding inclusion from the outset.”
Download the Guidelines and learn more about the endorsement pathway at:
https://psychology.org.au/training-and-careers/aps-conferences
