The Schools & Academies Show and EdTech Summit have received positive feedback from their first virtual event, which took place from 17-20 November.
The new format allowed attendees to peruse an online exhibition, visit the virtual Government Education Village – hosted by the Department for Education – tune-in to live panels discussions, take part in live roundtables, workshops and networking sessions, whilst also having access to over 50 hours of CPD-certified best-practice case studies and presentations.
Across the four days of the show there were over 4,500 visitors, with viewing figures of content doubling the usual maximum capacities at the physical version of the show.
There were 30,000 messages exchanged throughout the show between visitors, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors. The event platform is still open with all content available on demand.
Throughout the shows, there were keynotes and interviews with influential UK education decision-makers, including:
- Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, secretary of state for education, Department for Education
- 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 & skills, Department for Education
Event director Chris Callaghan said: “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 is 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!”
To find out more about the Schools & Academies Show and the EdTech Summit visit the website.
