NEWSLETTER: Sensory needs at events

“Sensory issues are accessibility issues.”

– Yenn Purkis

When I was starting out in the events business, the goal was small and packed aisles. Pack ’em in like sardines into the expo hall aisles and into session rooms so it felt full. The idea was that a crowded space equaled a successful event.

We all know things have changed.

Packed in like sardines doesn’t make for an attendee-friendly experience. Research has shown that our brains naturally prefer room to breathe. This means embracing the idea of larger, more open spaces. Crowded spaces can trigger discomfort and a desire to escape, while open spaces tend to be more inviting and conducive to networking and learning. Crowded spaces can be a sensory nightmare for a lot of people.

See below for information on how to accommodate sensory needs at an event.

And, exhibitors are smart. They now demand real, measurable data to determine their ROI. It’s no longer enough to just count the number of people who pass through their booths. They want to know the quality of those interactions, the leads generated, and the potential for future business collaborations.

More on accommodating sensory needs and the psychology of events coming up in the future!

In the meantime, read Skift Meeting’s What’s In and What’s Out for Meetings in 2024 for more on what’s ahead.

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Until Next Week,
Nelia