185 - Small Changes That Make Events More Accessible with Nika Brunet Milunovic

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Nika Brunet Milunovic, founder of Calm Nest Collective, about making events and workplaces more inclusive for neurodivergent people. Drawing from her background in the events industry and her own late neurodivergent diagnosis, Nika explains why sensory-friendly and quiet spaces are not just “nice to have” but essential. She shares practical ways organizers can create environments that support well-being, accessibility, and engagement. Aaron also reflects on his own experiences attending concerts with his wheelchair-using daughter, highlighting how small accessibility details can make or break an inclusive experience.

Key Takeaways:

Sensory Spaces Matter - Sensory-friendly or quiet spaces are essential for many neurodivergent people and significantly improve participation and engagement.

Design for Differences - The world is often built on the assumption everyone functions the same, but inclusive environments require designing for diverse needs.

Small Changes Count - Simple improvements—like clear directions, accessible information, or quiet spaces—can dramatically improve accessibility and inclusion.

Ask, Don’t Assume - Creating inclusive environments starts by listening to people and asking questions instead of making assumptions.

Inclusion Benefits Everyone - When spaces support neurodivergent people and accessibility needs, the experience improves for all attendees and employees.

Nika Brunet Milunovic’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is a purposeful and connecting world for everybody.

Nika Brunet Milunovic’s Bio:

Hello everyone, I’m Nika, the founder of Calm Nest Collective.

After 7 years in corporate and 11+ years in the events world, running everything from international festivals to sustainability programmes, I realised something big was missing: spaces that actually supported wellbeing, neurodiversity, and real human needs.

So I founded Calm Nest Collective, a consultancy and design studio that creates sensory-friendly spaces and inclusive sustainability strategies for events, offices, and public venues. Think quiet rooms at conferences, calm corners in workplaces, and support for event organisers who want to do better but aren’t sure where to start.

I’m otherwise a social worker, currently also pursuing a PhD on mental health and neurodiversity in the events industry, host a podcast called Pink Nest, and mentor people (and students) in events and early-stage founders trying to build purpose-led businesses without burning out.

My mission is simple: to make events, workplaces and public spaces a little calmer, kinder, and more inclusive.

Connect with Nika Brunet Milunovic:

Website: https://nikabrunet.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikabrunet/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatinclusiongirl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PinkNestPodcast

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 83

No - 100

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