innovatED - Issue 2

Spring 2018
Content and features
The new look content programme at BETT 2018 comes after extensive
consultation and research with visitors and members of the education
community and a move to a call for content model. This has resulted in
a streamlining of content across the event, and a focus on practitioner
led talks and learning. The BETT Arena will host editorially led content
with inspirational talks, big stories and developments across technology
from pupils, practitioners, brands and influencers, and will feature the
highest number of teachers, head teachers and Vice-Chancellors
speaking on the stage ever.
Following the official opening of BETT by Justine Greening, BETT will
launch its new annual temperature check for innovation in education;
the BETT Innovation Index. The project follows a large-scale survey
conducted in autumn 2017 that explored global approaches to
innovation in education, with the intended result being better
understanding of the state of them, from awareness through to
adoption. The results will be presented for the first time to outline the
culture of innovation that develops in institutions who engage with new
approaches to technology. Other sessions at the show will take a look at
emerging pedagogy, global and local education movements, practical
considerations and, of course, inspiring stories.
BETT in figures
Over 35,000 visitors attended BETT 2017 over the four
days of the event
BETT 2018 will be the 34th BETT
The show brings hundreds of suppliers, associations,
government departments and experts together
The most repeated bits of advice for those new to BETT :
Plan your visit
Wear comfortable shoes
Get hands on with the technology
Speak to strangers and make connections
New this year are two sponsored content stages – the Schools Theatre
and Post 16 Theatre, both of which will feature a mixture of brands
presenting practitioner-led sessions. The final stage, called the
Solutions Den, will be an informal area where brands can present
solutions to common school problems and discuss how it might work at
their school.
In addition to the content, BETT's popular feature areas are joined by a
new service to make collaboration and networking with peers and
companies easier. BETT new networking tool, Connect@bett, helps
visitors make the most of their time over the four days of the event,
helping them search for appropriate connections across the events
entire audience, set up meetings and use the dedicated Connect@bett
lounge for meetings or a quiet corner for a coffee.
Following its success in 2016 and 2017, the STEAM Village (science,
technology, engineering, art and mathematics) will return again to play
host to a number of organisations supporting learning in the STEAM
subjects. The BETT STEAM Village is an interactive space for teachers and
students to learn through exploration and play; a place for visitors to try
out STEAM solutions and products while considering how they can be
assimilated into the classroom to enhance education. Experts will be on
hand to guide visitors through key STEAM topics, teaching methods, and
new and emerging technologies.
BETT 2018 will run over four days, from 24 to 28 January 2018 at ExCeL,
London. For more information, to find out more about the programme of
content and to register for your free pass, visit: www.bettshow.com
Issue 2 | innovatED | www.innovated-magazine.com | 43