Collaboration Works – The Power of CPD and much more at Bett 2024

Bett 2024 offered an enriching CPD program featuring renowned guest speakers and providing opportunities for showcasing and discussing ideas with peers. A standout addition to Bett 2024 was the Table Talks program. This initiative connected individuals from schools, universities, and government bodies based on their primary areas of interest, such as Artificial Intelligence, Student and Teacher Wellbeing, Cybersecurity, and SEND/Inclusion.

In one session, I joined a talk on the significance of digital strategy and growth. The session facilitated a rich conversation with participants, including representatives from schools, governors, and the digital team from an EU country, shared valuable insights, tips, and successful approaches.

Another noteworthy event at Bett 2024 was the eighth edition of 'Kids Judge Bett,' led by Katy Potts of Islington Council. This initiative, where children aged 7 to 13 years old choose the best exhibitor stands, concluded with an Awards Ceremony, at the Bett Show. Author and poet Michael Rosen presented trophies to the winners. This year's student judges hailed from various locations, spanning from Cumbria to East London, just a 10-minute walk from the ExCeL, the home of Bett.

BESA at BETT
This year, 64 BESA members exhibited at the Bett Show. BESA’s Deputy Director General Julia Garvey opened the show alongside Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan MP and Louisa Hunter, Bett Director.

BESA and members exhibiting at Bett UK got 2024 off to a strong start building connections with delegations from around the word. Julia accompanied Gillian Keegan MP on a tour of the show to learn more about BESA members exhibiting at Bett. 

Julia, Peter Doyle, BESA’s Policy Manager and I accompanied Schools Minister Damian Hinds MP, Sir David Davis MP and Lord Offord to visit BESA members stands at the show. BESA members also met with VIP visitors from the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Education, Korean Ministry of Education, Lebanese EdTech syndicate, Brazilian Regional Government Leaders, India and Azerbaijan.  

Julia was also a key part of the ‘Celebrating women in EdTech’ event at Bett connecting women from across the sector, and also presented on the panel discussing innovation in teaching and learning through AI as part of the launch of ITN Business’s EdTech programme launch. 

BESA also helps run the Bett Global Futures area and I was on hand during the show to support the brilliant UK and international EdTech startups exhibiting here. 

Bett Awards
Produced in association with BESA, the Bett Awards are a celebration of the inspiring creativity and innovation that can be found throughout technology for education. Being a Bett Award-winner means to showcase your organisation with a sign of excellence. We were delighted to see BESA members making the list of winners and being recognised for their contribution to innovation in the industry. 
 

Dave Smith – Head of Partnerships and Events, BESA