Event Network's Sensory Inclusive Collection

Event Network’s sensory-inclusive collection brings accessibility into an often-overlooked part of the cultural-attraction experience: the retail environment. Developed for zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions, the collection includes apparel, toys, plush, and souvenirs designed with the sensory processing needs of guests at the center.

The collection was developed in partnership with KultureCity, whose expertise in sensory accessibility and invisible disabilities helped inform the product-development process. Rather than treating accessibility as an add-on, Event Network worked to translate sensory considerations into practical product decisions involving materials, construction, fit, texture, weight, and usability.

The new AirSeam apparel range includes features intended to reduce common sources of discomfort, including no tags, flat seams, wider neck openings, and soft 100% cotton. The collection also includes weighted plush products made with soft, comforting materials, evenly distributed weight, unscented fabric, and embroidered details. Across the wider range of toys and souvenirs, the goal is to offer products that are engaging and visually appealing while also providing more comfortable choices for guests with sensory sensitivities.

The innovation here is that not only is this sensory-inclusive design applied across several departments of a cultural attraction’s retail assortment, but it also creates a more integrated experience for visitors, allowing guests with different sensory needs to find curated products within a retail environment designed to extend the experience and mission of the cultural attraction.

Before this collection, Event Network’s retail assortment did not offer a coordinated range of products designed specifically around sensory processing needs, and in the traditional retail space, the sensory-inclusive offering has often been limited to a single specialist product. This project addresses a gap between the accessibility work taking place inside many cultural attractions and the products available when guests enter the store.

This collection supports the blooloop Accessibility Award because it considers the widest possible group of people who may want to enjoy the attraction and take part in the complete visitor journey. Accessibility does not end when a guest leaves an exhibit or sensory room. It also includes the places where families browse, shop, choose souvenirs, and make memories.

By offering products designed with sensory needs in mind, the collection gives guests and families more choice. It helps make the retail environment feel more welcoming and allows more visitors to find something they can comfortably use, enjoy, or take home as a reminder of their experience.

The collection was developed through about 8 months of research, consultation, sampling, and refinement, and a capsule collection was launched on March 23rd at the Georgia Aquarium, which was intended to align with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ mid-year Icebreaker event. We have since expanded the collection to arrive at 48 additional partner locations this Fall.

Event Network’s product development team oversaw the entire process of designing, sourcing, and delivering this collection to our partnerships. The support of the team at KultureCity has been invaluable as they’ve offered first-hand advice and suggestions. The team was even able to review the final samples of the AirSeam collection. Since the launch, our culture attraction partners have commented on how well aligned this initiative is with their own in-house efforts to make their attractions more welcoming to those with sensory needs. Many of our zoo and aquarium partners are KultureCity-accredited.

Event Network’s sensory-inclusive collection is practical accessibility in action: a product range shaped by expert guidance, informed by real guest needs, and designed to help more