Paula Rowntree
Head of External Engagement
Australian Psychological Society
About the Speaker/Moderator
Paula Rowntree is Head of External Engagement at the Australian Psychological Society and a consultant and trainer specializing in cognitive diversity and AI applications for event professionals.
She works with associations, corporate clients, conference organizers, venues, destinations and PCOs to design accessible, neurodivergent-inclusive experiences and integrate AI tools into event workflows.
Paula is the lead architect of the Australian Psychological Society’s Neurodivergent-Inclusive Event Guidelines, co-developed with clinical psychologist Angela North and co-endorsed by the American Psychological Association. Through this work, she has trained event professionals around the world on practical, budget-conscious inclusion strategies.
She also leads the APS Endorsed program, which provides independent third-party validation for event products and services, giving her unique insight into what makes inclusive event design both commercially viable and attractive to partners.
Paula regularly speaks and writes on neurodivergent accessibility, inclusive event design and the strategic use of AI in events.
Matchmaking Information
Attending
Neurodivergent-inclusive events on any budget: practical actions
Building neurodivergent-inclusive experiences: let's problem-solve together
Speaker/Moderator's Sessions (2)
Date
Session
Designing for human needs
Neurodivergent-inclusive events on any budget: practical actions
Discover practical, low-cost ways to make your events more accessible for neurodivergent attendees. Explore approaches such as sensory-friendly spaces, communication design and scheduling flexibility, and learn how independent endorsement can help validate your efforts and attract like-minded partners.
Learning outcomes:
Identify five or more no-cost or low-cost accessibility adjustments you can implement at your next event
Conduct a rapid review of event elements to identify neurodiversity barriers and quick wins
Understand how APS Endorsed status works and why third-party validation matters to sponsors and partners
Audience engagement
Inclusion, equity, belonging
Community
Speaker (1)
Paula Rowntree
Head of External Engagement, Australian Psychological SocietySession
Designing for human needs
Building neurodivergent-inclusive experiences: let's problem-solve together
Bring your event accessibility challenges and learn from peers who are testing practical solutions. Share what's working, discover low-cost improvements and explore how third-party endorsement can strengthen credibility, partnerships and stakeholder support.
Learning outcomes:
Connect with peers facing similar accessibility challenges and leave with practical ideas to test
Identify barriers in your own events and prioritize achievable improvements
Understand how APS Endorsed can support credibility, stakeholder engagement and partnerships
* CMP/CEU Approved: Sustainability and Social Impact, 0.5 credits
Speaker (1)