Surface-level fixes won’t solve burnout or disconnection. Most event professionals - and their attendees - are masking, performing just to fit in. That hidden cost drains energy, stifles creativity, and weakens ROI.Rethinking inclusion from the inside out begins with a shift from conditional to unconditional acceptance. When people feel safe to show up authentically, masking gives way to belonging and engagement, innovation, and connection follow.In this interactive workshop, you’ll experience how nervous system safety and neurodivergent-informed design replace performance with authenticity. Together, we’ll explore strategies that transform event culture today and future-proof human connection in an AI era.Learning outcomes:Recognize how masking and strengths overuse fuel burnout for event professionals and weaken engagement at eventsExperience a simple nervous system reset that restores focus and energy and learn how micro-practices like this can be integrated into event designApply neurodivergent-informed strategies to design psychological safety and authentic connectionThis session is approved for the following certifications. * ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 7: Building the Value and Impact of the Convention Industry, 0.75 credits * CMP/CEU Approved: Domain F: Talent Management, 0.75 credits