Event planners attending IMEX Frankfurt will have a unique opportunity to partner with Google and delve deeper into the realm of inclusive experience design. Returning to the show from May 14th to 16th, the Google Experience Institute (Xi) team will host a series of dynamic ‘design-thinking sprints’ at the Google Xi CoLaboratory. Attendees are encouraged to translate theory into action by sharing insights into upcoming projects or events, potentially co-creating case studies with Google Xi. These collaborative case studies will evolve throughout the year, showcased at various industry events, culminating in a presentation at IMEX America in October.
The ‘design-thinking sprints’ are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a concluding session on Thursday, May 16th. These hands-on sessions immerse participants in real-world scenarios, utilizing Google Xi’s tools effectively: Teamwork sits at the heart of these sessions as Megan Henshall, Global Events Strategic Solutions Lead at Google, explains: “For an event to be truly successful, it must foster belonging, create community, and generate meaning. We’re inviting event professionals to share their experiences and become active collaborators in our discovery work rooted in inclusive experience design. The aim is for them to walk away empowered to augment and accentuate inclusive experiences that meet both human and business objectives.
IMEX CEO, Carina Bauer, adds: “An estimated 1.3 billion people – that’s 16 percent of the global population – have a disability, so as event designers it’s our duty to ensure that the experiences we create are as inclusive as possible. There’s a challenging balancing act in providing an engaging experience that works for everyone when individual needs are so incredibly varied. We know that the Google Xi community has made great strides in this area and their own brand of collaborative learning is sure to spark insight and action among our attendees.”
Launched in 2021, Google Xi unites diverse experts to bridge the gap between neurodivergent experiences and actionable steps for event and experience designers, fostering more inclusive environments.
