Driving inclusivity in business travel

Neurodiversity affects 1 in 5 people - and yet it’s still often overlooked in travel programmes. That’s why our latest Knowledge Exchange brought the topic into the spotlight, helping customers understand what inclusive travel really looks like and how they can take practical steps to support neurodivergent travellers.

Held on Tuesday 13 May at the incredible Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London (thanks to our brilliant partners there), the event combined powerful lived experiences, expert discussion and supplier insights, with a little competitive F1 action to round off the day.

So, what’s it all about?

This session zoomed in on how neurodivergent travellers experience business travel and how policies can either empower - or hinder - their journey.

We explored:

• HR considerations when shaping inclusive policies
• Our investment in inclusive technology, including our user-centric booking platform, ClarityGo, which has been tested in partnership with the Digital Accessibility Centre and meets WCAG 2.2 AA standards, ensuring accessibility across a range of disabilities and devices
• How we worked with DataArt to break away from the limitations of traditional third-party tools and design a solution shaped around real user needs
• Personal insights from our own colleagues, as Ashleigh (who has Dyslexia and ADHD) and Michaela (who has Dyslexia) shared their lived experiences
• A panel discussion with Lime Venue Portfolio, offering a supplier view on inclusive meetings and event spaces

It was real, open, and eye-opening – and the kind of session where you walk away rethinking the ‘standard’ travel experience.

What we learnt

A quick look at our pre-event survey results set the scene:

• 78% of attendees said they have a designated role focused on inclusion
• Yet only 22% reference neurodiversity in their travel policy

Clearly, customers are on a journey. That’s why we packed the day with insights, practical policy tips, and real stories from neurodivergent travellers.

From the reasons why someone might book late, to the steps they take before a trip to feel safe, confident, and supported - Ashleigh and Michaela didn’t just speak to the room, they informed discussion with real-life experience.

For those who still wonder why now? Well, Ashleigh shared this sobering stat on how widespread organisational inclusivity currently is, with: ‘1 in 10 UK employers have faced neurodiversity-related employee tribunals.’ So, it’s not just good travel policy, it’s smart business.

Insights from the round tables: what our customers told us

We didn’t just talk at our attendees, we listened. Through breakout round tables, customers shared real-world challenges, idea sand opportunities to improve how they support neurodivergent colleagues across the entire travel and meetings journey.

Key themes that came through included:

• The need for the supply chain to champion inclusivity, not just the travel buyer
• How tech can enable access to relevant data without forcing neurodivergent travellers to follow a different booking process
• The importance of clear, unambiguous communication in policies and booking tools
• Cross-functional input when shaping travel tech or programmes - something we’ve embraced ourselves, involving customers and the Digital Accessibility Centre in the development of ClarityGo
• A notable gap in smaller meetings, where guidance around neurodiversity was often missing
• The tricky balancing act between cost, sustainability and inclusivity

Customers also shared a range of practical ideas, from improving pre-trip communications and internal resources, to creating spaces where neurodivergent employees feel confident to share their needs. There was strong support for learning from one another, using best practice examples, and engaging senior stakeholders to champion inclusion.

It’s clear that while many organisations are taking steps toward more inclusive travel, there’s still work to do - especially when it comes to meetings, policy clarity, and psychological safety. But by coming together to share insights like these, we’re helping to shape the future of travel for everyone.

Creating space for connection

After a morning of powerful discussion and round-table workshops - with consistent themes across all groups - we switched gears for a networking lunch and F1 race-off, a lighter moment that brought everyone together in a fun and engaging way.

We couldn’t let a good news opportunity pass us by without giving the Knowledge Exchange podium some page space. Chester Williams from Santander took the chequered flag, closely followed by our very own Michaela, a brilliant way to round off the day and showcase the energy and inclusivity that defined the whole event.

What our customers said

“Thank you for arranging this session. I find all the knowledge shares extremely helpful and insightful. The venue was amazing! I personally really enjoyed Ashleigh’s and Michaela’s personal stories - this really helped me understand the difficulties people may experience that we are currently not aware of.”

– Vicky Hayes, Sourcing & Contract Management Hub Buyer, National Gas Transmission

What’s next?

As we continue to build on our Knowledge Exchange calendar for the second half of the year, here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025:

• Strategic Meetings Management
• Sustainability in Travel
• Our Customer Outlook Survey
• Our in-person Customer Conference

Want to keep learning?

Here are some of the resources shared on the day to help you dig deeper:

• ACAS: Neurodiversity at Work
• Lexxic - NCW25 Events
• British Dyslexia Association
• National Autism Society
• ADHDUK
• ADHD Chatter Podcast (Instagram)
• ADHD Love (Instagram)
• Dyslexia in Adults (Instagram)
• LGBTQ+, Disabled & Neurodivergent Travellers: Still Not Catered For

Until next time

From neurodiversity to meetings strategy, we’re committed to helping our customers build inclusive, insight-led travel and meetings programmes.

Big thanks to all who attended, and to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for hosting us in style.

Got a question, comment or want to attend the next session? Reach out to your Account Manager, we’d love to see you there. And if you’re not yet a Clarity customer but want to explore how we can support your organisation’s travel and meetings strategy - or just want to continue the conversation on inclusive travel - get in touch. We’re always happy to talk.