Nottingham Digital Summit 2024
Tania Gerard speaks at the Nottingham Digital Summit 2024: Embracing Neurodiversity in Marketing
I was honoured to speak at the Nottingham Digital Summit 2024—the Midlands’ biggest Digital Marketing event! As someone passionate about both marketing and neurodiversity, this opportunity allowed me to bridge the two worlds and share actionable strategies for creating more inclusive and accessible marketing.
My talk, “Creating Accessible Marketing: How Neurodiversity Can Influence Design and Communication,” took place at Screen Two during the event. I delved into how neurodiverse perspectives—such as those of individuals with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia—can significantly influence how we approach marketing, ultimately making it more inclusive and effective.
Why This Topic Matters
In the world of digital marketing, we often aim to reach the widest audience possible, but we sometimes overlook those who process information differently. Neurodiverse individuals represent a significant portion of our audience, yet many traditional marketing strategies fail to consider their unique needs and strengths. By embracing neurodiversity, we can create campaigns that are not only more inclusive but also more innovative and engaging for a broader audience.
During the session, I covered:
Clear Messaging: I explored how simplifying language, breaking down complex ideas, and communicating in a way that resonates with neurodiverse individuals can lead to clearer, more accessible messaging.
Visually Accessible Design: I shared practical tips for designing visuals that are easy to process and engaging for people with different cognitive styles, like minimising sensory overload for those with autism or improving readability for those with dyslexia.
User Experience (UX): I discussed strategies for creating smoother, more intuitive user journeys that cater to neurodiverse users, making websites and digital products easier to navigate for everyone.
Why This Session Was Important
Whether attendees were marketers aiming to improve the inclusivity of their campaigns or business owners seeking to understand the role of accessibility in digital marketing, this talk offered valuable insights. I provided real-world examples and practical strategies that could be implemented immediately. Inclusivity in marketing isn't just about doing the right thing—it also drives innovation and creativity, resulting in more successful campaigns that resonate with a wider audience.
An Event with Purpose
The Nottingham Digital Summit wasn’t just about marketing—it was about making a difference. With over 600 delegates, four stages, and 20 clinics, the event offered an unparalleled deep dive into the latest trends in SEO, CRO, UX, PPC, content marketing, and more. What truly set it apart, though, was its charitable focus. This year’s proceeds were donated to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people with terminal illnesses. Since its launch in 2018, the event has raised over £67,000 for charity, and I was proud to be part of an event that not only advanced our industry but also gave back to the community.
Thank You to the Summit!
I truly enjoyed connecting with fellow marketers, industry leaders, and innovators at the Nottingham Digital Summit. It was an inspiring day of learning, sharing, and making a positive impact, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.
If you weren’t able to attend, I encourage you to explore the strategies and principles I discussed around neurodiversity and accessible marketing—these approaches can help you create more inclusive and effective campaigns for everyone.
Book a consultation with me to discuss your next Neurodiversity workshop and make a real difference in your business.