David L. Lawrence Convention Center Earns Sensory-Inclusive Certification
September 12, 2023
Neurodiverse, autistic and sensory-challenged attendees and exhibitors who may feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by the convention center environment while participating in events at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) now have several new resources available at the venue.
DLCC, which hosts a full calendar of major trade and consumer events in the Northeast region, has embraced accessibility via its recent partnership with KultureCity, a national nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for individuals with sensory needs.
The new initiative features a certification process to ensure DLCC staff are informed and prepared via annual training by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.
“The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is honored to partner with KultureCity, ensuring a welcoming, safe and positive environment for all those who visit, whether for a business meeting, trade show or special event,” said Tim Muldoon, general manager of the DLCC. “We’re proud to be the first KultureCity-certified Sensory Inclusive Convention Center in the state of Pennsylvania.”
How it works
KultureCity Sensory Bags, provided by Puro Sound Labs, come equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and KultureCity VIP lanyards, while a private Quiet Room, located on Level 2, Concourse A provides a calming and comforting space to retreat to and regroup. Additionally, headphone zones are marked in areas of heightened noise potential in the venue.
To help sensory-challenged guests feel more prepared prior to attending an event at DLCC, attendees can download the free KultureCity App where they can view what sensory features are available and where they can access Quiet Areas, a KultureCity Sensory Bag and Headphone Zones locations.
The app also includes a “Social Story” feature that provides in-depth information about what to expect while at the venue, from entering the building and finding their event to interacting with convention center staff and finding quiet areas.
According to KultureCity officials, sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which can be a major part of the environment at convention centers.
Back story
KultureCity is a non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created more than 1,000 Sensory Inclusive public and private services, organizations, events and venues in six countries, including the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan., which became KultureCity certified in 2021.
As one of the greenest convention centers in North America, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified DLCC is owned by the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Allegheny County. The 1.5 million-square-foot facility features 313,000 square feet of exhibit space, 37 loading docks, 53 meeting rooms and a 31,000 sq.ft. ballroom.
To learn more about KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification, go here.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn!
Partner Voices
Every day, MGM Resorts hosts organizations and individuals from around the world with a diverse array of business purposes, needs and expectations. But they all have one thing in common—a host committed to making their meetings sustainable and unforgettable through close partnership and responsible meeting practices.
Harnessing the Sun
Meetings at MGM Resorts are predominantly powered by the sun, thanks to its innovative 100-megawatt solar array. As the largest directly sourced renewable electricity project in the hospitality industry, the solar array features 323,000 panels and produces up to 100% of MGM Resorts’ daytime power needs in Las Vegas.* Built in 2021, the solar array reduces the carbon footprint of meetings—and all of MGM Resorts—while still delivering an enlightening and electrifying guest experience.
Leading Water Stewardship
Knowing water is essential to operations, guests and employees, MGM Resorts has long employed various conservation measures and has doubled down on its commitment in recent years to become a leading corporate water steward. In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate, a United National Global Compact, becoming the first gaming company to endorse the initiative. The company replaced more than 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas and pledged to reduce water use by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030. Between 2007 and 2022, MGM Resorts saved more than 6 billion gallons of water through water conservation.
Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
MGM Resorts serves a world of diverse people, perspectives and experiences by cultivating a workforce culture that embraces all of humanity. From mindful recruitment and hiring practices to meaningful social responsibility initiatives, MGM Resorts is a welcoming and inclusive space for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members and more. The company’s commitment to supplier diversity drives innovation by extending competitive opportunities to local and diverse-owned suppliers, while the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program provides diverse-owned businesses tools and resources to enhance and grow their businesses.
Paying it Forward
MGM Resorts knows that great companies must serve the greater good. That’s why paying it forward is part of its approach to meetings and events. Through the Feeding Forward Program, MGM Resorts collects and preserves unserved and untouched food from conventions held at its properties, then safely donates to food-insecure people through a partnership with Three Square, Southern Nevada’s primary food bank. Since 2016, MGM Resorts has donated more than 3.7 million meals, with a goal of 5 million meal donations by 2025. Donations include unserved perishable prepared foods from events, perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens and nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses.
From world-class venues and experiences to industry leading responsible meeting practices, MGM Resorts is proud to host meaningful and sustainable events.
*Not including The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Add new comment