With 5% to 16.5% of attendees who have symptoms associated with sensory processing challenges and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. with autism, more venues and destinations are committed to making sure autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors feel welcome and supported while attending meetings and events.

The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is the latest venue to receive Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global organization that provide professional autism and neurodiversity training and certification for global healthcare, education, and corporate professionals.

"One in six people have sensory needs, and this focus on accessibility demonstrates their team’s commitment to being a leader in the industry,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “By earning the Certified Autism Center designation, the Miami Beach Convention Center joins a growing number of organizations making a significant impact for accessibility.” 

Related: Two Ohio Venues Achieve Certified Autism Center Designation 

The facility’s achievement of this designation comes on the heels of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau achieving its CAC designation in April.

Need to know: Owned by the City of Miami Beach, the MBCC now offers an accessible experience for all events and visitors, with a range of ADA-compliant features that include accessible parking, sidewalk ramps, restrooms, elevators, and automatic entrance doors. The facility also provides Braille signage and a visual interpreting service via the Aira app for visually impaired attendees.

How it works: The certification process involved comprehensive training for the MBCC’s customer-facing staff from Oak View Group, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to support autistic individuals, according to MBCC officials. IBCCES performed an onsite review providing recommendations for other enhancements at the facility.

What they are saying: “Achieving the Certified Autism Center designation marks a pivotal next step in our commitment to inclusivity, and I am extremely proud of our staff’s dedication and achievement,” said MBCC General Manager Freddie Peterson. “This autism certification enables the Miami Beach Convention Center to better serve visitors with special needs, setting a new standard for accessibility in the events industry.”

What’s next: Peterson also said that the MBCC plans to add IBCCES sensory guides to its informational website and has identified quiet spaces inside the facility, as well as outside spaces that provide natural calming surroundings such as Pride Park, Collins Canal Park, and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, that would be of benefit to neurodivergent guests.

The big picture: According to facility officials, MBCC’s CAD certification is another step in a larger initiative for the Greater Miami area to become a Certified Autism Destination, led by the Greater Miami Visitor and Convention Bureau. Earning this designation signifies that a representative number of attractions, hotels, and other recreation and entertainment venues in a destination have completed the CAC certification process. Learn more about sensory-friendly attractions and travel industry partners, including Miami International Airport, in the Greater Miami and Miami Beach area here.

Why it matters: “Inclusion and accessibility are priority initiatives for our destination,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Achieving this standard better positions us to tap into the tens of billions of dollars spent annually by travelers with disabilities and their families as well as significantly increasing customer satisfaction. More importantly, we can ensure our visitors, residents, and neighbors feel welcomed, safe, and above all, have fun.”

Zooming out: This latest achievement is just part of MBCC’s extensive focus on a wide range of corporate social responsibility (CSR), accessibility, DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging), and sustainability programs. Besides earning LEED Silver certification as part of its $640 million expansion and reimagination project that includes myriad environmentally friendly features, the MBCC recently achieved the Foundations Certificate for Sustainability and Social Impact from the Events Industry Council (EIC). Additionally, five staff members earned EIC’s Sustainable Event Professional Certificate, designed for professionals interested in accelerating sustainability and social impact where they work.

For a deeper dive into Certified Autism Center certification, check out this article from our sister publication, BizBash.

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