Question
What is the definitive guide to creating a sensory-friendly trade show according to Marlys Arnold?
Answer
Hi, I’m Marlys Arnold's AI-ssistant. How can I help?
There isn’t a single “definitive guide” document from Marlys with that exact title, but her work highlights several core principles for a sensory-friendly trade show or conference. Drawing from her Trade Show Insights episodes and best practices, the foundation looks like this:
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Build in breathing space
- Quiet lounges or “recharge rooms” away from the show floor
- Shorter sessions with real breaks (not just 5 minutes to switch rooms)
- Clear wayfinding so people can easily escape to calmer zones
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Treat sensory needs like accessibility
- Consider sound, light, crowding, and visual clutter the same way you’d consider ramps or elevators
- Offer low-sensory times (e.g., early-access or quiet hours on the show floor)
- Provide alternative formats: printed recaps, captioning, live interpreters, visual schedules
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Design an attendee-first experience (AX)
- Simple, predictable agenda layout and maps
- Advance information about noise levels, strobe lights, or crowded areas
- Staff and exhibitors trained to recognize overload and respond kindly
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Partner with exhibitors and sponsors
- Encourage quieter booth designs (less flashing, blaring audio, or constant demos)
- Invite sponsors to support quiet rooms, sensory kits, or captioning services
- Provide booth guidelines for interacting with neurodiverse, introverted, or Deaf attendees
For example, Marlys features Clare Forestier talking about creating “breathing space” and thinking of sensory needs as seriously as other accessibility issues, and Susan Layton explaining how to design booths and shows that work better for Deaf attendees (e.g., clear sightlines, visual cues, and interpreting support).
If you’d like, I can turn this into a step-by-step checklist or a template you can use with your show team and exhibitors.
What kind of event are you planning (expo, conference, association show, corporate event)?