If You Design It (This Way), They Will Come (and Stay)

Live events are designed to impress.

Big sound, bold lighting, high energy. But what if some of the very elements meant to create impact are quietly limiting connection, comfort, and retention?

In this practical, event-focused session, Lacey Artemis (founder of Neuromix and creator of the SOLACE Model™), explores the often-overlooked layer of accessibility that shapes how people actually experience your event: the sensory environment.

Attendee comfort is not just a wellness issue. It directly influences engagement, dwell time, networking quality, sponsor activation, and whether someone comes back next month, next year, or ever.

Participants will learn how sensory factors like sound, lighting, temperature, scent, and ergonomics quietly impact comfort, focus, and energy, and how small, strategic design shifts can dramatically improve inclusion without sacrificing energy or creativity.

Desired Outcomes

• Understand how sensory overwhelm impacts attendee behavior, focus, emotional regulation, and energy
  • Identify common sensory friction points in conferences, galas, networking events, workshops, and trade shows
  • Distinguish between true sensory accessibility and surface-level accommodations
  • Implement practical, budget-conscious adjustments that increase comfort and retention
  • Gain a basic understanding of applying the SOLACE framework to evaluate an event environment
  • Reframe accessibility as a design advantage rather than a compliance task

Time and Date: 
Wednesday Mar 4, 2026 ⋅ 12pm – 1pm (Pacific Time - Vancouver)

Format:
Online. (You will receive the Zoom link and access details upon registration.)

Price:
Free for ILEA members (membership will be verified)
$15 for non-members

About Lacey Artemis

Lacey Artemis (she/they) is a speaker, consultant, and creative producer with over 20 years in multimedia production, 15 years in corporate offices, and 10 years in events.

She is the creator of the SOLACE Model™, a cross-sense, cross-sector framework for evaluating sensory accessibility in shared environments.

Her work with Neuromix combines creativity, science, and lived experience to understand and support all people and their nervous systems, regardless of neurotype.