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In this episode of Smart Start Radio, host Eming Piansay sits down with Yush Sztalkoper, founder of NeuroSpark+, to explore how neurodiversity can reshape the way meetings and events are designed.
Drawing on nearly two decades in the events industry and her personal journey following an ADHD diagnosis, Yush reframes neurodivergence not as a limitation, but as a powerful lens for understanding human energy, behavior and connection. Together, Eming and Yush unpack how sound, lighting, pace, navigation and choice can either drain or energize attendees and event professionals alike.
The conversation moves beyond theory into practical application, offering planners tangible ways to design more inclusive, grounding experiences that support diverse nervous systems without sacrificing creativity or impact. Yush also shares simple, in-the-moment tools attendees can use to regulate stress and stay present in high-stimulation environments.
At its core, the episode makes the case that designing for neurodivergence is not just about inclusion. It is a competitive advantage that leads to better experiences, healthier teams and events that leave people energized instead of exhausted.
Show Notes:
Episode: Neurodiversity: The Missing Link in Event Design
Season/Episode: Season 3, Episode 26
Length: 51:17
Host: Eming Piansay
Guest: Yush Sztalkoper (Founder, NeuroSpark+)
Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316002/episodes/18503691
Episode summary
In this episode of Smart Start Radio, host Eming Piansay sits down with Yush Sztalkoper, founder of NeuroSpark+, to explore how neurodiversity can transform the way meetings and events are designed.
Drawing on nearly two decades in the events industry—and her personal journey following an ADHD diagnosis—Yush reframes neurodivergence not as a limitation, but as a powerful lens for understanding human energy, behavior and connection. Together, Eming and Yush unpack how sound, lighting, pace, navigation and choice can either drain or energize attendees and event professionals alike. The conversation moves beyond theory into practical application, offering planners tangible ways to design more inclusive, grounding experiences that support diverse nervous systems without sacrificing creativity or impact. Yush also shares simple, in-the-moment tools attendees can use to regulate stress and stay present in high-stimulation environments.
At its core, the episode makes the case that designing for neurodivergence isn’t just about inclusion—it’s a competitive advantage that leads to better experiences, healthier teams and events that leave people energized instead of exhausted.
Why this matters for meeting pros
Neuro-inclusive design is universal design in action: when you plan for attendees who are most sensitive to overstimulation, you often improve the experience for everyone. This episode offers a practical lens planners can apply immediately—asking whether an environment energizes or drains, and building in navigation clarity and real choices that help people regulate on-site.
Guest
Yush Sztalkoper — Founder, NeuroSpark+
Yush is a longtime events professional and neurodiversity advocate helping teams design experiences that support diverse nervous systems.
Links & resources
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