WASHINGTON, DC — The ASAE Research Foundation, in partnership with the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation, continues to advance a landmark study on neurodiversity within the association community, conducted in collaboration with Burson, a nationally recognized research firm, and The Neu Project.

This ongoing research explores how associations are implementing neuroinclusive practices in their workplaces and events, with the goal of helping association leaders and event professionals better understand and support neurodivergent individuals. The findings will help guide associations in building inclusive cultures where every participant can thrive.

“Associations are in the business of bringing people together to solve problems, share knowledge, and advance their missions,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “Ensuring those experiences are inclusive of neurodivergent participants strengthens our entire community. This groundbreaking research with MPI will give association leaders and event organizers the tools they need to design meetings and events where every voice can be heard and every participant can thrive.”

“Meetings and events are where our industries come to life, and inclusion must reflect the full diversity of our communities, including neurodivergent individuals,” said Paul Van Deventer, President & CEO of MPI. “This partnership with the ASAE Research Foundation allows us to move beyond awareness into action, creating tangible solutions that help event professionals design experiences where everyone can fully participate.”

About the Research

The study is being conducted in four key phases:

• Preliminary Landscape Review: Comprehensive analysis of existing literature and practices related to neurodiversity inclusion in associations.
• In-depth Interviews (IDIs): Conversations with neurodivergent individuals and association leaders to gather insights and lived experiences.
• Quantitative Survey: Broad data collection to measure the effectiveness of current inclusion practices and identify areas for improvement.
• Online Journals: Ongoing documentation of experiences and reflections from neurodivergent individuals within associations.

Anticipated Outcomes

The findings will provide actionable recommendations to help associations:

• Foster a neuroinclusive culture that supports and empowers neurodivergent individuals.
• Identify and minimize barriers to inclusion to ensure a more equitable environment across the association community.

This important research is made possible through the generous support of Choose Chicago, Discover Puerto Rico, MGM Resorts International, Visit Kansas City, and Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

The ASAE Research Foundation and MPI Foundation look forward to sharing research results with the association and meetings communities in the coming months, with final completion expected in Fiscal Year 2026.

About ASAE

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Since it was established 100 years ago, its members have and continue to lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. With the support of the ASAE Research Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. Visit ASAE at Welcome to ASAE — American Society of Association Executives (asaecenter.org)