Social enterprise Women in Travel CIC will run its first Neurodiversity in Travel online mini-summit, in partnership with BCD Travel, on February 7.
The summit follows the International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum in 2023 (pictured), during which Women in Travel CIC put a focus on neurodiversity via content and an “industry-first” quiet room.
Next month’s event will feature panel sessions, case studies and talks with experts from within and outside the travel industry.
The programme aims to equip attendees with practical information about helping colleagues, customers and clients, and creating “a thriving workplace and product that caters for all”.
Subjects will include how the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors can tap into neurodivergent talent and consumer bases; the adaptations the sector can make to integrate the needs of neurodivergent staff, suppliers, and partners; and how to attract and retain consumers by catering to the requirements of the neurodivergent community.
Speakers at the summit include Yvette Bryant, diversity, equity and inclusion senior vice-president at BCD Travel; Tiffany Casson, national account manager at Intell Ltd; Lindsay Garvey-Jones, national retail manager at Holiday Extras; Merrily Grant, patient engagement manager at BCD Travel; Rachel Harper, external relations senior manager at Lloyds Banking Group; Nic Lander, founder at Willy Wonka Travel and chief executive and founder of the Kimel Foundation; Helen Moon, chief executive and founder of Event Well; Olivia Ruggles-Brise, sustainability vice-president at BCD Travel; and Jessica Sharpe, Cap Worldwide global sales director.
Alessandra Alonso (pictured), Women in Travel CIC’s managing director and founder, said: “With neurodiversity affecting in the region of 13 million (or one in seven) people in the UK, there is clearly a need for us all to better understand the needs of the neurodivergent community.
“Not only is it important in fostering a more inclusive environment, but there is a business imperative.
“Nurturing the unique talents of the neurodivergent individuals in our workforce and factoring in the needs of neurodivergent customers will help our businesses to thrive.
“Our first Neurodiversity in Travel mini-summit brings together some of the foremost thought-leaders in our industry and beyond, and I look forward to a wealth of knowledge and practical advice being shared on the day.”
The Neurodiversity in Travel online mini-summit takes place from 12-2pm on Wednesday February 7. Tickets cost £65 and an early bird offer of £45 is available for a limited time.
Other online events from Women in Travel CIC will include Women’s Health and the Menopause (January 24), Storytelling for Travel Marketing (February 21), DEI for Beginners (March 19) and The Power of A1 in Small Travel Ventures (April 24).