IMEX America Holds the Top Tier of the Guidelines
IMEX America 2026 runs 13-15 October at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The show holds Level III Comprehensive Neurodivergent Accommodation under the Neurodivergent Inclusive Event Guidelines written by the Australian Psychological Society.
The endorsement covers the parts of the show within IMEX’s control. The exhibit floor sits outside its scope.
IMEX announced the same award on 9 October 2025, while the 2025 edition was running. The October 2026 coverage restates it for the 2026 show.
What the Guidelines Require
The APS developed the guidelines in 2025 with input from neurodivergent people. The American Psychological Association co-endorses them. The document translates psychological evidence into actions across the event journey: communication before arrival, registration, sensory environments, lighting and sound, wayfinding, scheduling and breaks, technology, staff conduct and attendee support.
Endorsement runs in three tiers. Level I covers a tranquillity room as a baseline inclusive environment. Level II adds a sensory space with fidget items, weighted blankets, varied seating and noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs. Level III requires inclusion at every stage of planning, execution and feedback.
The Level III requirements include pre-event communication with virtual tours and detailed schedules, flexible programming with frequent breaks and shorter sessions, sensory-friendly spaces and tranquillity rooms as standard, trained event staff, and inclusive communication with accessible materials and feedback mechanisms.
The APS lists Level III endorsement at A$1,500 plus GST. It publishes the guidelines free to event planners, conference organisers, venue managers, suppliers and corporate event teams worldwide.
Rowntree on the Top Tier
Paula Rowntree, head of external engagement at the Australian Psychological Society, set out what the level measures. “Level III endorsement reflects a whole-of-event approach,” she said. “It means an organiser has considered how people receive information before they arrive, how they experience the physical environment, how the program supports different needs and how staff can respond with confidence.”
Rowntree said the show gives other organisers a worked example. “Its leadership gives other organisers a practical example they can learn from and adapt,” she said.
What IMEX Put Forward for Audit
IMEX submitted the elements outside its exhibition floor for assessment. Those included the Resilience Room, designed, built and powered by Hello! Destination Management, the Hosted Buyer Lounge and a set of soundproof workstations. The assessment covered sensory considerations, programme design and communication.
The Frankfurt Work
At IMEX Frankfurt the show built a quiet room next to its wellness offering. The space ran on low light, held weighted blankets and fidget tools, and carried staff to keep it a retreat.
The show removed raised stages at the Inspiration Hub, added tiered seating and high tables, and provided soundproofed pods for anyone who needed to decompress. Attendees chose their own path through the programme.
The APS reports that IMEX Frankfurt 2026 completed Level III endorsement and calls it the first global trade show to achieve the certification. IMEX announced the Las Vegas award in October 2025. Both records stand as published.
Bailey on the Standard
Oli Bailey, interaction design at IMEX, said the guidelines fill a gap organisers had worked around. “We know neurodivergent attendees want to make informed decisions about whether an event will work for them,” he said. “These Guidelines provide a clear, recognisable standard, backed by psychological evidence, that helps organisers create a more inclusive experience.”
Bailey said the work continues past the endorsement. “We understand that accessibility is a continuous journey,” he said. “There’s always room to grow, and we remain committed to learning and evolving.”
What the Numbers Say
The APS case study puts neurodivergent attendees at 15 to 20 per cent of an event audience, or up to 200 people at a 1,000-person event. It cites industry research reporting that 85 per cent of respondents said an event’s explicit provision for neurodivergence influenced their decision to attend.
The guidelines themselves cite a Deloitte estimate that 10 to 20 per cent of the world’s population is neurodivergent. Registration for IMEX America 2026 is free.