Domain A: Strategic Planning

Cost: $305 member/$405 non-member

Target Audience

This training is designed for operational staff working in event environments, including program managers, team leads, line managers, day-of event support, security personnel and venue staff. By completing this training, operational staff will emerge as welfare champions, ready to create inclusive event environments for those most vulnerable to distress, overwhelm, meltdowns and shutdowns. They will be better equipped to identify and respond to signs of distress, provide appropriate support and make a positive impact on the overall attendee experience.

Note: This training does not replace specialized mental health training for clinical professionals or crisis management training for specialized security personnel.

Program Overview
Twenty percent(+) of the global population is neurodivergent and 25% of people have mental health conditions that can make them especially vulnerable to distress or difficulties in an event environment. Neu Project research shows that event operational teams and venue staff often lack the necessary knowledge and/or confidence to effectively support attendees who are neurodivergent. This knowledge gap creates a significant challenge as these attendees may face difficulties navigating the event, experiencing overwhelm or not receive the inclusive and supportive environment they need to fully engage and participate.

Without proper understanding, awareness and practical skills, operational staff may inadvertently contribute to a less inclusive and accommodating atmosphere, leading to potential negative experiences for the aforementioned communities. This lack of support can not only impact attendees well-being, it can also reduce the efficacy of the investment in events and undermine both the experiential and business outcomes associated with those investments (time, money, effort).

Program Objectives
By the end of this certificate program, you'll be able to:

• Differentiate among neurodivergent and common mental health conditions and develop empathy for, and awareness of, the challenges faced by individuals in these communities within event environments.
• Identify signs of distress, overwhelm, meltdown and shutdown and understand the importance of early intervention and the role of operational staff in identifying and responding.
• Create an inclusive and supportive environment and learn practical strategies for creating a welcoming event for neurodivergent individuals and those with mental health concerns.
• Develop communication techniques that promote understanding, active listening and respect and adapt physical spaces and event procedures to accommodate diverse needs, with consideration for sensory sensitivities and accessibility requirements.
• Learn effective de-escalation and support techniques, acquire skills to manage high-emotion situations, ensuring the well-being of all attendees.
• Provide compassionate support to event attendees while maintaining professional boundaries and learn how to guide event hosts to best practices and resources.

Curriculum details

The training will use a variety of educational methods, including:

• Presentation
• Lived experience from mental health field professionals and neurodivergent contributors
• Real-world examples/case studies
• Visuals/graphics/videos
• Discussion
• Group work