Site Search & Select - Articles & News #Johnson & Johnson

Building Inclusive Events: Insights from Jason Stewart and Michael Hudson

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:31:01 -0400

At Site Search & Select, we believe inclusion is not just an initiative — it’s an intentional design. As part of our continuing Global Journey to Disability Inclusion interview series, we sat down with Jason Stewart, Manager of Events for Disability:IN, and Michael Hudson, CEO at Site Search & Select, to explore what it truly takes to create events where every attendee feels seen, welcomed, and empowered.

From Planning to Execution: Accessibility Starts with Understanding

And if something goes wrong? “We always have backup plans,” Jason shared. “Once in Vegas, every escalator and elevator broke the day before our event. We immediately secured accessible transportation across the street so no one was excluded.”

Beyond Compliance: Creating a Truly Welcoming Experience

For Disability:IN, inclusion isn’t about checking ADA boxes — it’s about designing with empathy. Jason outlined the primary accessibility needs they plan for: physical disabilities, deaf and hard-of-hearing participants, blind or low-vision attendees, and neurodiverse individuals.

To go beyond compliance, Jason’s team ensures:

ASL and CART are available in every session where remarks are made.
Roaming interpreters support social events and receptions.
Innovative partnerships with Aira and NaviLens empower blind or low-vision attendees to navigate spaces independently.
Venue tours are offered to all attendees, especially those who benefit from pre-event orientation.

These innovations have redefined the event experience. “Accessibility is evolving,” Jason said. “Every year, we add something new that makes a difference.”

Partnering with Venues and Vendors: Education and Empathy

When it comes to ensuring accessibility across vendors and staff, Jason emphasizes kindness and education. “People don’t know what they don’t know,” he said. “We take every opportunity to educate, ask questions, and point out gaps constructively.”

A small example: a venue once had excellent accessible rooms but placed closet rods too high. “We mentioned it,” Jason recalled, “and two weeks later, they’d already fixed it. That’s the power of collaboration.” Disability:IN also supports exhibitors by providing vetted resources for large-print materials, Braille printing, and other inclusive design tools.

Advice for Planners: Start with Listening

Jason encourages event planners to begin by truly understanding their audience. “Ask attendees what they need,” he advised. “And don’t assume — every person’s accessibility journey is different.” He also recommends using Disability:IN’s Accessible Event Checklist, which offers practical guidance on event design, from room layouts to sensory considerations. “Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Jason said. “It’s about being intentional, adaptable, and always learning.”

Innovative Solutions: From Pet Relief to On-Demand Interpreters

When asked about creative approaches, Jason highlighted several firsts. This year, Disability:IN implemented Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) to support spontaneous hallway conversations and interactions at hotel front desks or coffee shops. Another area of focus: service animal accommodations. “Not all venues have pet relief areas,” Jason noted. “At one property, we physically built them ourselves — complete with signage, bags, and water dishes. It’s about thinking through the attendee and the animal experience.”

Global Perspective: Accessibility Without Borders

For global events, Jason and Michael discussed how accessibility requirements differ across regions. While the U.S. follows the ADA, international venues often have varying standards. Michael shared how contracts are now written to ask for the “equivalent of ADA compliance” in each country. “We need to go a step further,” he said. “Disability looks different around the world — and so should our planning.” Jason agreed: “When we’re hosting events abroad, we study the local context — from captioning in multiple languages to ensuring accessible transport. It’s all about understanding who’s in the room and where they’re coming from.”

Jason emphasized that invisible disabilities are often overlooked. Disability:IN now provides:

Quiet rooms and sensory lounges for neurodiverse attendees.
Overflow rooms with live streaming for those who prefer smaller spaces.
Scent-free environments and accommodations for light and sound sensitivity.

“Not every disability is visible,” Jason said. “We work to create an environment where everyone can participate in a way that’s comfortable for them.”

Shared Values and Lasting Impact from Site Search & Select

True inclusion happens when accessibility becomes instinctive — when every decision, every partnership, and every event is built with empathy at its core. It’s not just about meeting standards or following checklists; it’s about understanding people and anticipating their needs before they even have to ask. When accessibility is woven into the DNA of how we plan, design, and deliver experiences, that’s when we create spaces where everyone truly belongs.”

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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Shared Values and Lasting Impact from Site Search & Select

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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Asia Pacific Global Journey to Disability Inclusion: Insights from Leslie Wilson

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:40:05 -0400

Site Search & Select is honored to present exclusive insights from Leslie Wilson, DisabilityIN’s Chief Global Strategist, ahead of the upcoming Asia Pacific Global Journey to Disability Inclusion for Business Conference in Bengaluru, India (November 18-20, 2025). This global event is redefining what it means to create workplaces where everyone belongs, with a forward-thinking agenda spanning cutting-edge AI for accessibility, bold moves in neuro inclusion, supply chain inclusion, and caregiver empowerment.

Hosted by Accenture and open to DisabilityIN corporate partners and by invitation, national and multi-national companies that are not currently partners, the conference promises high energy, game-changing conversations, and powerful connections—all aimed at sparking lasting change for disability inclusion in business.

Leading the Way on Disability Inclusion

AI and the Future of Accessible Workplaces

AI is revolutionizing accessibility for employees with disabilities. Leslie cited compelling examples: “I was recently working with someone who didn’t have use of her arms…she uses AI for almost everything in communication”. Neurodivergent employees are already power users—76% leverage AI—but it’s crucial to balance the power of technology with human oversight to prevent stereotypes from impacting hiring processes. Leslie’s clear advice: “There are tremendous opportunities, but companies must ensure humans remain in the loop to prevent bias”.

The Ripple Effect: Allyship and Caregiver Advocacy

Sessions at the conference spotlight allyship and recognizing caregiver challenges. Leslie explained, “Microsoft has led the way—offering comprehensive benefits for caregivers, which provides a model for others to follow.” Since the pandemic, the need for caregiver support has grown, especially for women balancing work and family. “Companies must recognize and act on the growing responsibilities of caregivers to retain and uplift these valuable employees,” Leslie advised.

From Recruitment to True Neuro Inclusion

The drive toward genuine neuro-inclusion is gaining momentum. Leslie highlighted research showing that by 2040, 40% of the workforce will self-identify as neurodivergent—and among Gen Z, it’s already at 55%. “Neuro-inclusive talent means you value critical thinking and innovation over convention,” Leslie shared. Businesses benefit from diverse minds: teams including neurodivergent employees consistently produce more creative solutions and innovative thinking.

Supply Chain Inclusion: Procurement Reimagined

DisabilityIN leads the world’s only certification program for disability-owned business enterprises, with a dedicated hub helping corporations source suppliers who meet their goals for social impact and operational excellence. Leslie stressed: “Disability-owned businesses are more likely to hire people with disabilities, making inclusion not just good practice but a true business advantage.” This extends opportunities beyond hiring, reframing procurement as a lever for measurable inclusion.

Unlocking Talent: Self-Identification in the Workplace

Self-identification remains a deeply personal yet transformative decision. Leslie distinguished ‘self-identification’ (checking the box) from ‘self-disclosure’ (sharing with colleagues) and described best practices: “Companies that promote genuine psychological safety, run visible campaigns, and adapt messaging to workplace culture see higher rates of self-identification—a critical step in unlocking talent and innovation.” Legal frameworks and cultural differences mean each global region requires tailored strategies, from listening sessions to careful messaging.

Watch the full interview with Leslie Wilson and Michael Hudson. Click the video above

Final Reflections and Contact Information

Leslie closed by underscoring that the Asia Pacific event is designed for DisabilityIN corporate partners and by invitation, national and multi-national companies that are not currently partners. The conference combines learning with extensive networking opportunities—connecting attendees who share a commitment to driving change and sharing advanced practices worldwide.

Interested organizations and individuals are encouraged to contact Leslie Wilson directly for details or to inquire about participation: leslie@disabilityin.org.

Why Inclusion Matters: A Perspective from Site Search & Select

Conducting this interview with Leslie Wilson for our S3 community was truly inspiring. The conversation highlighted how global leaders like DisabilityIN are redefining what inclusion means—from supplier diversity to leveraging technology and championing neurodiversity and caregiver support. Our role at S3 is to amplify these conversations, ensuring every conference and business gathering is accessible, inclusive, and focused on making a difference.”

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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Shared Values and Lasting Impact from Site Search & Select

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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North American Success Story: A Game-Changer for Financial and Project Management

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:55:00 -0400

As a trailblazer in the events industry for 30 successful years, Site Search & Select is committed to delivering exceptional experiences for clients across the globe. In a recent interview, Michael Hudson and Bill Finklea discussed the transformative impact of Zoho Books on S3's operations. The platform enables S3 staff to efficiently manage aspects of client projects; clients benefit from detailed, real-time reporting on project costs and timelines, allowing for better decision-making and budget control. The integration of Zoho Books with other Zoho applications allows S3 to offer a seamless experience, from initial consultation to post-event analysis.

About Zoho | Cloud Software Suite for Businesses

Site Search & Select Trusts Zoho: Key Benefits

User-Friendly Interface

Zoho offers an intuitive interface that simplifies the management of projects, making it easier to operate efficiently. The platform's user-friendly design allows S3 staff to quickly create and manage estimates, sales orders, and project timelines, resulting in faster turnaround times and improved client communication. Additionally, the time tracking features enable staff to log hours spent on various tasks, ensuring accurate billing and resource allocation. This transparency builds client trust and facilitates better decision-making, as clients can see detailed reports on how time and resources are being utilized for their projects.

Site Search & Select is a premier venue sourcing company that specializes in organizing and managing corporate events, conferences, and meetings for clients across the globe. With three decades of experience, we excel in finding the perfect venues, negotiating contracts, and coordinating with local hospitality suppliers to deliver exceptional experiences.

S3 staff utilizes Zoho's project management features to track venue selections, contract negotiations, and supplier coordination, streamlining the entire event planning workflow. The integration of Zoho One applications, such as Zoho Books and CRM, allows S3 to offer a seamless experience, from initial client consultation to post-event analysis.

This comprehensive approach enables S3 to deliver exceptional experiences for clients across the globe, maintaining its position as an industry leader in corporate event planning. The transition has significantly improved S3's ability to meet financial, project management, and analytic goals, directly translating to enhanced service quality, increased efficiency, and higher client satisfaction.

Time Savings

Zoho Books has significantly streamlined Site Search & Select's operations, especially in handling multicurrency transactions for international events. The platform allows S3 staff to efficiently manage estimates, invoices, and payments in various currencies, reducing manual work and errors. This time-saving capability enables the team to focus more on strategic planning and delivering exceptional client experiences.

Seamless Integration

The integration of Zoho Books and other Zoho One applications has centralized S3's operations, providing a cohesive platform for financial, forecasting, marketing, and CRM needs. By syncing financial data with client records in Zoho CRM, S3 can access a complete view of each client's history, preferences, and financial standing. This integration allows for better measurement of ROI on client acquisition efforts and ensures that marketing campaigns tracked in Zoho CRM are tied to financial outcomes in Zoho Books. The seamless flow of information between these applications enables S3 to offer a more personalized and data-driven service, enhancing overall client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Watch the full interview with Michael Hudson and Bill Finklea. Check out the video above

Forecasting Success with Zoho: Insights from Site Search & Select

"Zoho applications have been a game-changer for Site Search & Select and our clients. By providing an integrated suite of tools, these applications streamline operations, enhance productivity, and facilitate seamless collaboration across various business functions. Many clients have reported significant improvements in workflows, with processes becoming more efficient and easier to manage. The intuitive design of the applications allows our team to adapt quickly, ultimately enabling businesses to focus on what truly matters—their growth and customer satisfaction. This has not only made daily tasks simpler but has also empowered S3 to deliver higher value to our clients.”

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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Forecasting Success with Zoho: Insights from Site Search & Select

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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Site Search & Select successfully completes a one year mentorship with Johnson & Johnson

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:01:36 -0400

Site Search & Select has successfully completed a mentorship with Johnson & Johnson, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company. The one-year mentorship was completed in the middle of 2023; provided through Diversity Alliance for Science, has provided Site Search & Select with valuable resources and access to global senior executives at Johnson & Johnson who can help grow the company.

About Johnson & Johnson

Johnson and Johnson receives 2021 NBIC Best of the Best award

The Program Objectives: Maximize Site Search & Select business services that will attract Opportunities to Serve Global Multinational Corporate Customers.

Enhance Value Proposition

Johnson and Johnson asked “ How do you differentiate your business from the pack? ” Whether you work for a large or small company, are an end user, or a procurement official — success depends on creating a sustainable business model that generates enough revenue to cover costs and produce a profit over the long term. Johnson & Johnson helped Site Search and Select identify opportunities for negotiated cost savings. Leveraging purchasing power translates into savings and improved terms and conditions, improving the bottom line.

ESG

Large corporations increasingly focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors when deciding where to hold their events and all their purchases of goods and services. This means they are interested in working with companies that can help them reduce their carbon footprint and ensure that their events are sustainable.

Johnson and Johnson ESG - Environment, Sustainability and Governance Strategy

Source: Johnson & Johnson Enterprise ESG Program Office ESG Strategy Report

Project Management

Project management is a critical component of any successful event and a very important component of the Site Search & Select workflow to serve our clients. Johnson & Johnson uses the FPX Methodology based on their belief that "Project leadership is a critical success factor in the development and integration of new products, processes, and technologies."

The FPX Methodology is a framework that helps organizations define, track, and optimize their new product development process. It consists of four main phases: initiation, planning, execution, and closure. In each step, several activities need to be carried out to ensure the success of the project. The initiation phase is about setting the project’s direction: what business needs will the project address? What are the objectives and scope of the project? This information will be used to develop the project plan.

The mentorship culminated in a 90 second pitch competition. Check out the video above

During the planning phase, Site, Search, and Select identified the resources required for the project and established the timeline and budget for the project. This information was used to create the new Site Search & Select integrated project management system. The execution phase encompasses project implementation and tracking. This information will generate reports to assess the project’s success.

The execution phase encompasses project implementation and tracking. This information will generate reports to assess the project’s success.

During the closure phase, Site Search and Select reviewed the results and identified lessons learned. This information will be used to create a final report.

The Mentorship Format

My mentor at Johnson & Johnson, Robyn Best met with Site Search & Select every three weeks for an entire year! The program culminated with a sales pitch competition at DA4S' East Coast Meeting mid 2023. I would like to thank Robyn for her commitment to me and to Site Search & Select. We are now lifelong friends and associates. A wonderful added benefit of my mentorship. I would also like to thank Diversity Alliance for Science for offering me this amazing opportunity for growth and development. S3 immediately implemented all that was learned from the amazing executives from all over globe at Johnson & Johnson.

Site Search & Select is ready to help you with ideas and expertise for your global meetings and events.

"I was thrilled that Site Search & Select has been selected by Johnson & Johnson for the mentorship program. It was an invaluable opportunity for me to grow the company by working with senior executives who can offer valuable resources and access to help us reach our goals. I am looking forward to learning from those who have been successful.”

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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Site Search & Select is ready to help you with ideas and expertise for your global meetings and events.

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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Johnson & Johnson Mentorship Goes to Site Search & Select

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:21:25 -0500

Site Search & Select has been awarded a mentorship with Johnson & Johnson, the world’s largest pharmaceutical company. The mentorship, provided through Diversity Alliance for Science, will provide Site Search & Select with valuable resources and access to senior executives at Johnson & Johnson who can help grow the company.

About Johnson & Johnson

The Program Objectives: Maximize Site Search & Select's Opportunities to Serve Global Customers.

Enhance Value Proposition

The value proposition is everything in vendor sourcing. How do you differentiate your business from the pack? Whether you work for a large or small company, are an end user, or a procurement official — success depends on creating a sustainable business model that generates enough revenue to cover costs and produce a profit over the long term. J&J will help Site Search and Select identify opportunities for negotiated cost savings. Leveraging purchasing power translates into savings and improved terms and conditions, improving the bottom line.

ESG

Source: Johnson & Johnson Enterprise ESG Program Office ESG Strategy Report

Project Management

Project management is a critical component of any successful event. Johnson & Johnson uses the FPX Methodology based on their belief that "Project leadership is a critical success factor in the development and integration of new products, processes, and technologies."

During the planning phase, Site, Search, and Select will identify the resources required for the project and establish the timeline and budget for the project. This information will be used to create the project schedule.

The execution phase encompasses project implementation and tracking. This information will generate reports to assess the project’s success.

During the closure phase, Site Search and Select will review the results and identify lessons learned. This information will be used to create a final report.

The Format

Johnson & Johnson will meet with Site Search & Select every three weeks for an entire year! The program will culminate in a sales pitch competition at DA4S' West Coast Meeting in September 2023.

S3 is always ready to help you with ideas and expertise

"We are thrilled that Site Search & Select has been selected by Johnson & Johnson for the mentorship program. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to grow the company by working with senior executives who can offer valuable resources and access to help us reach our goals. I am looking forward to learning from those who have been successful.”

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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S3 can help you with event bookings

Michael Hudson, CEO | Site Search & Select

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