Neurodiversity Inclusion in Live Events: A Sensory-Inclusive Event at Rocket Arena

Description

ILEA invites event professionals to Rocket Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, for an educational program focused on neurodiversity inclusion in live events. This event will spotlight the groundbreaking partnership between the Cleveland Cavaliers and KultureCity that made Rocket Arena the first Sensory Inclusive™ sports arena in the United States, setting a new standard that has since influenced more than 550 venues worldwide.

Our keynote speaker for the evening is none other than Megan Henshall, founder of The Neu Project. Megan has created a neurodivergent-owned and operated organization alongside an eclectic global community using the neurodiversity framework to transform communal experiences. From events and hospitality spaces to workplaces, organizations, retailers and beyond, The Neu Project amplifies existing methods of human belonging and connection while encouraging contemporary practical approaches to universal experience design. Megan will deliver a 101 on Neurodiversity for those new to the topic as well as providing practical recommendations and ways to implement neuro-informed design strategy and storytelling in events.  

After the keynote, an in-depth panel discussion featuring Antony Bonavita, Executive Vice President and Chief Venues & Development Officer of Rock Entertainment Group, alongside leaders from KultureCity, will explore how sensory inclusion and neurodiversity can be meaningfully embedded into live event design and operations — drawing directly from the real-world leadership, lived experience and proven frameworks behind the nation's first Sensory Inclusive™ sports arena.

ILEA is producing this event to elevate neurodiversity as a critical — and often overlooked — pillar of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) within the live events industry. While conversations around inclusion continue to grow, sensory needs and neurodivergent experiences are frequently underrepresented in event planning, design and operations. By convening at Rocket Arena, ILEA aims to challenge event professionals to expand their definition of inclusion, learn from proven leadership and leave with practical insights they can apply across venues, festivals, conferences and live experiences. This program reinforces ILEA's commitment to advancing empathy-driven leadership and ensuring that live events are accessible, inclusive and meaningful for all.