The initiative aims to bring practical awareness to hidden disabilities through wearing special sunflower items, including lanyards, wristbands and pins.
Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower flags to those who interact with the wearer that they have an invisible disability.
Hidden disabilities can range from post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries to diabetes, allergies, autism, cancer, hearing impairment and vertigo.
Through the partnership, Think Business Events staff will receive training so they can recognise the sunflower symbol and provide any appropriate additional assistance to conference delegates and speakers who might be wearing the sunflower.
“Partnering with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a natural step in our mission to make events as inclusive and accessible as possible,” said Think Business Events’ founder and director, Denise Broeren.
“We are excited to champion this initiative across our events, empowering our team and joining with our event partners to better recognise and support attendees with non-visible disabilities.
“This partnership reflects our broader commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the events industry.”
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative has been widely adopted through airports, cultural institutions, shopping centres and more. Convention centre ICC Sydney partnered with the initiative earlier this year.
“The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is delighted to support Think Business Events in fostering greater accessibility and inclusivity – ensuring that staff, speakers and attendees, including those with hidden disabilities, feel fully supported.” said the director of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in Australia and New Zealand, Justin Bruce.
Think Business Event will incorporate the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative into conferences it manages in 2025.
