The Autism-Europe Congress 2025 has received the US$20,000 Incredible Impacts Programme Main Grant, recognising how its Dublin edition translated advocacy into practical action on accessibility and inclusive employment.
The winner was chosen by delegates at the 2026 ICCA Congress in Panama City, following presentations from three finalists. Delivered jointly by BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA, the programme supports associations using international meetings to create lasting social, economic or environmental change.
Organised by Autism-Europe, AsIAm, Keynote PCO, Fáilte Ireland and the Royal Dublin Society, the Congress developed a replicable model for making events more accessible and autism-affirming. It also addressed employment barriers and sought to improve workforce participation among autistic people.
The grant will help share this model with future Autism-Europe Congress hosts and other associations, while extending the initiative’s work around inclusive employment.
“The Autism Europe Congress 2025 was never solely about delivering a successful event,” said Fiona Ferris, CEO of AsIAm. She described its broader purpose as creating a lasting legacy for autistic people in Ireland and across Europe.
The Congress was selected from 24 submissions, ahead of fellow finalists the International Social Housing Festival 2025 and WindEurope Annual Event 2025.