1. International Sign Language - WelcomeSign

Alfândega Congress Center – Noble Room | 10:00 – 11:00 | 250 Participants

This hands-on workshop, developed in partnership with the Porto Deaf Association, aims to raise awareness about communication accessibility in the business events industry, with a focus on International Sign Language. It introduces participants to the basics of non-verbal communication and sign language, preparing them for a future where inclusion is not optional but essential. In addition, by 2026, sign language services will be mandatory at major events in Portugal. This initiative supports the industry in embracing that shift and places communication diversity at the heart of event design. 

1. Kick off Briefing

• Welcome and context of the ICCA Congress 2025 
• Presentation of the session's purpose and expected impact 
• Framing the activity in the context of future demands in the business events industry 

2. Interactive Workshop 

• Led by deaf facilitators and an interpreter 
• Learning key expressions in International Sign Language 
• Non-verbal communication exercises: facial and body expressiveness 
• Group discussion on real barriers faced by deaf participants and inclusive solutions for events. 

3. Debriefing & Reflection 

• Guided reflection on the experience 
• Sharing of insights and suggestions for applying what was learned in participants' own organisations, destinations or events.

Participants will leave this session with: 

A practical understanding of the challenges faced by deaf individuals in the business events industry 

Basic sign language skills and increased confidence in non-verbal communication 

Awareness of inclusive tools and practices they can implement immediately 

Inspiration to integrate accessibility into future event planning 

2. Behind the Label – Rethinking Belonging 

Alfândega Congress Center – Auditorium and Corridors | 09:00 – 11:00 | 300 Participants

This session, delivered by Porto Pride, invites participants to rethink what it truly means to belong in the events sector. Through storytelling and design thinking, participants will explore real challenges faced by underrepresented participants in business events and co-create solutions for more inclusive and respectful environments. The goal is to move beyond theory and create a space for dialogue, empathy and practical action. 

1. Kick off Briefing

• Framing the ICCA Congress 2025 as a catalyst for inclusive innovation
• Presentation of the session’s purpose: conscious design choices to prevent microaggressions
• Clarification of expected outcomes and impact for the event sector

2. Participatory Workshop 

• Opening monologue to trigger reflection on unconscious bias 
• Interactive mapping of microaggressions via Miro Board 
• Breakout groups redesigning event elements (e.g., badges, networking formats, speaker invitations) 
• Pitch session and debate: groups present solutions and discuss them collectively 
• Co-creation of the Unlabeled Protocol: a living document with practical, bold, and inclusive idea
  

3. Debriefing & Reflection 

• Individual and group reflection: what did we learn? What can we change now? 
• Open discussion on how to apply inclusive design in participants’ local contexts and organisations. 

Participants will: 

Gain awareness of how subtle exclusions operate in events 

Learn participatory methods to design more inclusive experiences 

Leave with tools they can use to foster safety, respect and visibility for underrepresented  participants  

Contribute to building a practical, adaptable "Unlabelled Protocol" for the sector.  

3. Sensory Spaces

Alfândega Congress Center – Infante Room | 09:00 – 11:00 | 250 Participants

How can we design events that truly welcome neurodivergent individuals and people with sensory disabilities — not as an add-on, but as an integral part of the experience? This hands-on workshop challenges ICCA participants to prototype inclusive sensory zones, reimagining rest areas, signage, lighting, soundscapes, and other environmental elements from the perspective of hypersensitive attendees. Co-designed with disability organisations and Fab Labs, this session moves to intentional sensory design, promoting inclusion, dignity, and comfort in real event settings.

1. Kick off Briefing

• Framing the topic: sensory accessibility, neurodiversity and event design
• Presentation of the co-creation methodology
• Contextualisation within ICCA Congress 2025 and future sector trends

2. Co-Creation Workshop

• Teams design and prototype sensory-friendly event modules (e.g., rest zones, signage systems, transition areas)
• Use of recycled materials from the event itself
• Technical support from Fab Lab facilitators
• Inclusive design principles validated by disability experts
• Documentation of prototypes for future reference

3. Guided Reflection

• Expert-led reflection on what makes an event inclusive for all sensory profiles
• Group discussion: How can we embed this into future events?
• Sharing of ideas and commitments for action

4. Street Vibes – Learn to Break 

MXM Center (R. do Ouro 264, 4150-554 Porto | 09:00 – 11:00 | 24 Participants

To bring: Comfortable clothes | How to go: Tram or walking 

What happens when youth from underserved neighbourhoods take the lead in global event spaces? This activity turns the traditional event model on its head: instead of being showcased as performers, these young breakdancers are empowered to become cultural facilitators, inviting participants to move, connect, and rethink inclusion — through rhythm, movement and shared energy. Developed by the MXM Center within the Desporto no Bairro initiative, this programme uses urban culture as a powerful tool for youth leadership, community empowerment and event innovation. The activity is a joyful, symbolic moment of exchange that expands what inclusive programming can be. 

1. Kick off Briefing

• Introduction to ICCA Congress 2025 and its inclusion track 
• Overview of the Street Vibes project and its social objectives 
• Framing youth leadership and urban culture as event innovation. 

2. Live Experience: Learn to Break 

• Breakdance session guided by MXM trainers and youth 
• Participants learn basic moves and join a friendly, open "breaking battle" 
• Focus on rhythm, self-expression, and breaking stereotypes through movement. 

3. Talk & Share

• Presentation of the Street Vibes methodology: 
• How the project maps vulnerable areas 
• How local talent is identified and mentored 
• How schools and municipalities are engaged 
• Group Q&A and collaborative discussion 

5. Solidarity PUFFs – Socially Engaged Design

Alfândega Congress Center – Arrábida or D. Luis room | 09:00 – 11:00 | 100 Participants

Can a piece of event furniture tell a story of dignity and transformation? Solidarity PUFFs challenges the way we think about sourcing, design and inclusion in events. This initiative gives a chance to people experiencing homelessness, long-term unemployment or other forms of vulnerability, to create valuable elements for events, gaining skills, income, and social visibility. Obsolete materials — such as congress banners and hotel slippers — are transformed into handcrafted PUFFs, as true statements of value. And event participants can engage directly with these outcomes — sitting on the PUFFs, discovering the story behind their making, and reflecting on the process. This human-centred and circular design approach is a call to action: what if every item in an event could restore both lives and materials? 

1. Kick off Briefing

• Framing the ICCA Congress 2025 through inclusion and circularity 
• Introduction to the PUFFs initiative, its partners, and social vision 
• Connection with broader trends in ethical sourcing and social procurement. 

2. Ongoing Immersive Experience 

• PUFFs distributed across the venue for participant use 
• Delegates will be split into groups of 10
• Each group will get supplies to fill up their puff 
• Each group will design the look of the puff 
Each features a unique QR code linking to: 
• The personal story of its maker 
• The origin of materials used 
• Insights into material waste in the MICE sector 
Visual prompts invite participants to consider the social and environmental cost of disposable items in hospitality. 

3. Reflection Moment (Optional Slot in Programme) 

• Guided conversation with project partners and PUFF makers 
• Discussion on the power of visibility, dignity, and ethical production 
• Exploration of how events can shift to sources of social inclusion and circularity.