Eastside Rooms becomes first venue to achieve Gold Neuroinclusive Venue Accreditation

Recognition by Welcome Brain Consulting marks leadership in accessible and dignified events

17 November 2025

The Eastside Rooms has been awarded Gold Certification under the Neuroinclusive Venue Accreditation developed by Welcome Brain Consulting, becoming the first venue in the world to reach this level. The recognition reflects a strong and proactive commitment to neuroinclusion, with measures that support a welcoming experience for every delegate from first enquiry to event delivery.

The accreditation acknowledges a sustained programme of work at The Eastside Rooms. The team has focused on clear information before people arrive, options that reduce anxiety during planning, and practical support while on-site. This includes sensory considerate spaces where guests can decompress, flexible room layouts that limit sensory overload, plain language guides for the venue and the surrounding area, and training that builds staff confidence and awareness.

Neuroinclusion is now part of everyday operations at the venue. Processes have been reviewed so that inclusion is considered at each step, from proposal and contracting, event design and signage, to feedback and continuous improvement. The result is a venue experience that is clearer, calmer, and easier to navigate, not only for neurodivergent attendees but for everyone.

Tim Sparrow, general manager at The Eastside Rooms, said: “We want every guest to feel comfortable, confident, and able to take part in their own way. Working toward this accreditation has helped us turn good intentions into everyday practice. We looked at the entire journey and focused on the moments that matter most. Clear information before people arrive; calm places to decompress; flexible room setups; sensory considerate lighting and sound; and above all, a team that understands why these details matter. Gold Certification is a proud moment for everyone at The Eastside Rooms, however, despite achieving the top award, we recognise that inclusion is a continuing journey. We will therefore keep listening, learning, and improving.”

The Welcome Brain Neuroinclusive Venue Accreditation forms part of a wider mission to make neuroinclusion a standard across the events industry. The framework supports venues, organisers, and associations to adopt practical and dignity preserving approaches that reduce effort for attendees and create spaces where people can participate in a way that feels authentic.

Andy Williamson, founder of Welcome Brain Consulting added: “The Eastside Rooms has shown how a venue can lead by putting neuroinclusion at the heart of its culture. The team engaged with the detail, they mapped the delegate journey, and they made changes that are easy to use in real events. Gold Certification recognises both the progress made and the ongoing commitment to review, learn, and adapt. We hope this achievement encourages many more venues to follow.”

What the accreditation recognises at The Eastside Rooms:

• Clear information and choice - Plain language pre-event guides, visual wayfinding, and clear contact routes for specific needs. Organisers receive checklists and sample copy so they can brief delegates with confidence.
• Sensory considerate spaces - Identified quiet areas, options to lower lighting, and simple adjustments to limit unexpected noise.
• Flexible room setups - Seating layouts that offer choice, with easy access to exits and quieter zones.
• Supportive staff practice - Training that builds awareness of sensory difference, communication preferences, and respectful assistance.
• Feedback and improvement - Post event learning that informs updates to signage, information, and operational planning.

Why neuroinclusion matters for events:

Neurodivergent people are part of every audience. Clear information, predictable processes, and flexible environments reduce cognitive load and allow more people to take part. These measures are practical to deliver, they improve delegate confidence, and they often make events smoother for all attendees, including speakers, sponsors, and crew.

The Eastside Rooms will continue to work with Welcome Brain Consulting on regular reviews, staff refreshers, and updates to resources for organisers. The goal is simple, to keep inclusion visible in planning and to maintain a welcoming and dignified experience for every guest.

For more information about the accreditation, visit www.welcomebrain.com

To learn more about neuroinclusion at The Eastside Rooms, visit https://eastsiderooms.com/neuroinclusion/

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