Autism-Europe has been awarded the 2025 Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Grant to support its upcoming 14th Autism-Europe Congress, scheduled for September 11-13, 2025, in Dublin. The award, presented by BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), recognizes initiatives that create lasting positive change through international meetings.
In partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, and Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, Autism-Europe will use the $5,000 USD Seed Grant to advance accessibility at the Dublin congress. The funding will also expand their capacity to design inclusive events, promote accessible employment, and engage the public to ensure a legacy beyond the three-day event.
Inclusive Focus for Dublin Congress
The 14th Autism-Europe Congress aims to position Dublin as a model for accessible international meetings. Organizers intend to demonstrate best practices in event inclusivity while strengthening community connections within Ireland’s autistic community. As part of a broader effort, partners are working to make Dublin the world’s first accredited autism-friendly capital.
“On behalf of the 14th Autism-Europe Congress, I am honoured to be awarded the Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Grant. Dublin is a vibrant, inclusive city and we are working towards making it the world’s first accredited Autism-friendly capital,” said Adam Harris, CEO, AsIAm. “The grant will help us to work towards creating a fully inclusive congress and will contribute to our overall vision of a society where every autistic person is accepted as they are – equal, valued, and respected.”
Paul Mockler, Head of Commercial Development at Fáilte Ireland, said: “Fáilte Ireland is proud to support the Autism-Europe Congress 2025 – a milestone event that reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism. This Congress offers a unique opportunity to strengthen community partnerships, champion meaningful inclusion, and generate a lasting legacy for Ireland and beyond.”
Programme Recognition
The Incredible Impacts Programme distributes two annual awards: the $5,000 USD Seed Grant and the $20,000 USD Main Grant. Autism-Europe joins a select group of associations recognized for leveraging international congresses to deliver long-term benefits for host communities and beyond.
“This project embodies everything the Incredible Impacts Programme stands for. It’s bold, heartfelt, and visionary – driven by a genuine commitment to inclusion and advocacy that will ripple far beyond Dublin,” said Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, added: “The Incredible Impacts Programme continues to inspire and showcase the power of international associations to create true legacy and change. This year’s programme is one of the strongest we’ve ever seen, with outstanding projects that reflect the heart and purpose of our industry.”
Main Grant Finalists Announced
Alongside the Seed Grant, BestCities and ICCA named three finalists for the 2025 Incredible Impacts Main Grant. The International Federation of Endodontic Associations, through the World Endodontics Conference in Glasgow, was recognized for public health outreach initiatives. Rural WONCA, which led the World Rural Health Conference in Limerick, was acknowledged for advancing rural healthcare advocacy. The International Papillomavirus Society, host of the International Papillomavirus Conference, was highlighted for efforts in HPV education and awareness campaigns.
The finalists will present their cases during the ICCA Congress in Porto this November, where the $20,000 USD Main Grant winner will be announced. Their projects address healthcare reform, rural practice development, and disease prevention, aligning with the programme’s focus on legacy and impact.
By awarding Autism-Europe the Seed Grant, BestCities and ICCA are underscoring the role of international meetings in shaping accessible, inclusive futures. The Dublin congress will serve as both a platform for advancing autism advocacy and a case study in how global events can leave meaningful legacies for host cities.
