The Edtech Summit and the Schools & Academies Show are celebrating virtual conference success (17–20 November), with the events taking place online for the very first time this year.
Adapted to suit a post-COVID world, the new virtual format allowed attendees to explore an online exhibition, as well as visit the virtual Government Education Village, hosted by the Department for Education (DfE); tune-in to live panel discussions with sector leaders; participate in live roundtables, workshops and networking sessions; whilst also gaining access to more than 50 hours of CPD-certified best practice case studies and presentations.
This year’s events drew over 4,500 delegates across the four days, with viewing figures doubling the usual maximum capacities seen at the in-person summits.
Throughout the events, a staggering 30,000 messages were shared between visitors, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors, cementing both the Edtech Summit and the Schools & Academies Show as two of the sector’s largest online gatherings.
Demand for content has been so high that the event platform is set to stay open until the end of next week, giving those who were unable to attend the live event a chance to catch up on-demand.
Both events saw some of the industry’s key figures delivering keynotes and leading insightful discussions, including:
- Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, secretary of state for education, DfE
- Amanda Spielman, HMCI, Ofsted
- Wes Streeting MP, shadow minister for schools, Labour Party
- Dr Daniel Susskind, fellow in economics – Balliol College, University of Oxford
- Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, parliamentary under secretary of state for apprenticeships and skills, DfE
Chris Callaghan, event director for both platforms, stated: “Due to the ongoing pandemic, we have struggled to host our usual shows this year, and with the mammoth task that schools have faced in the past eight months, it felt like we were well overdue a chance for schools to connect, share experiences and find solutions.
“The general engagement, interaction and sheer number of people visiting online has been overwhelming and we are absolutely delighted to be able to offer the platform for so much information sharing, learning and collaboration within the sector.
“Thanks has to go to the exhibitors, sponsors and speakers who continued to support the event and without which, the show could not have happened. Collectively, we think it’s important to continue to provide schools with a chance to meet, reflect and look to the future, especially given the hectic schedules of any school year, let alone in 2020!”
Click here to find out more about the Edtech Summit and the Schools & Academies Show.
In other news: Survey: how has tech shaped education during the pandemic?
