The Independent Hotel Show, as part of a company-wide initiative by organiser Montgomery Group, will be introducing a Quiet Room, curated by EventWell, at this year's edition, taking place on 15-16 October at Olympia London. The room is being introduced to provide a quiet space away from the bustling show floor for attendees to take a break and to cater for neurodiverse guests. 

Independent Hotel Show Event Manager Glenn Wallace comments: "Trade shows can be busy and energetic environments and this fantastic initiative will not only give our visiting hoteliers and hospitality professionals somewhere at the show to decompress, it also reflects our theme for this year's event, which is centred around 'escaping the hustle and bustle' and providing a sanctuary for all guests and customers.' 

The Independent Hotel Show spoke to EventWell CEO Helen Moon to learn more about the room's purpose. 

What do EventWell do? 

We’re a charitable social enterprise who specialise in providing supervised neuro-inclusive and safe spaces at events, we’ve been supplying and supporting events with quiet rooms and sensory spaces for over three years now. 

What is the room at the Independent Hotel Show called? 

It’s called the SensoryCalm Quiet Room.

What will it have in it, and why? 

It will offer a space for people to be able to sensory decompress, from the crowds, noise, lights and environment, offering noise cancelling, sensory lighting and weighted products. 

Sensory decompression is important at events because it helps attendees, especially those who may be sensitive to sensory overload, to have a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. Large events can often have overwhelming stimuli—loud sounds, bright lights, large crowds, and a fast-paced atmosphere—that can lead to stress, anxiety, or discomfort. Offering spaces or moments for sensory decompression allows people to reduce overwhelm, promote wellbeing, enhance inclusivity, and improve focus and engagement.

Why should more event organisers include these types of spaces in their floorplans?

They are an essential accessibility and inclusion offering and frequently requested by neurodivergent attendees, and with neurodivergence affecting 1 in 2 people over their lifetime it’s really important that they are included as part of a balanced, equitable and empathetic event offering.