The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) partnered with Social Enterprise Academy to promote neurodiversity at the Social Enterprise Schools Awards 2025, which took place at the EICC on Thursday 19th June.
Launched in Scotland in 2004, Social Enterprise Academy delivers learning programmes around leadership and social entrepreneurship globally, with its Social Enterprise Schools initiative having supported over 7,000 young people in 8 countries worldwide.
The programme is guided by experienced social entrepreneurs, empowering young people to set up and run their own social enterprises. Around 650 young people from across Scotland attended the EICC on the day.
Neil McLean, CEO of the Social Enterprise Academy, said: “The Social Enterprise Schools Awards exemplify what young people can achieve when given the tools and encouragement to lead change.”
He added: “Each year, I am amazed by their creativity, dedication, and compassion. When industry leaders, teachers, and supporters stand alongside them, it sends a powerful message: your ideas matter, and your efforts are seen. This encouragement can transform lives. I am proud of everyone involved and excited for the opportunities this event will create.”
Adaptations to this year’s awards included easy to read pre-event information and venue maps, quiet zones within the EICC, and quick and quiet check-in and registration.
The EICC, Welcome Brain Consulting, and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) launched the ‘Neurodiversity in Events Toolkit’ in February, designed to set out a new standard for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the conference and events industry. The collaboration is aiming to lead the way in neuroinclusion, ensuring that every participant, speaker, and delegate can fully engage and contribute to the UK events industry, which is valued at over £61 billion.
NatWest Group recently utilised the Neurodiversity in Events Toolkit for its annual Audit Academy event in Edinburgh, and the EICC is seeing high levels of interest from other organisations wanting to incorporate the toolkit into their conferences and events.
Carron Webster, assistant director of sales at the EICC, said: “We are pleased to be taking a lead in establishing industry-leading standards for neuroinclusion, and the NatWest and Social Enterprise Academy events show what can be achieved in this important area. With the Social Enterprise Schools event, every young person gets to step up, realise their potential, and create the change they want to see in the world.”
