10 awesome events on the 2020 EdTech calendar
2020 is shaping up to be an exciting year in terms of the EdTech calendar. Many of the usual suspects are back for another year of conferences, expos and panel discussions. We took a look at the top 10 that we would love to attend. Hope to see you there.
1. FETC – January – Miami, Florida
First up is the Future of Education Technology Conference, which sees its 40th year of running in 2020. A wide range of educators and professionals within the industry attend every year. They come to discuss EdTech and how it’s used. FETC is a highly collaborative occasion. Those working in schools can come together to talk about trends, concerns, best practices and innovations in EdTech.
2. BETT – January – London, UK
This is the granddaddy of the EdTech calendar and the largest event in the world. Attendees, speakers and exhibitors come from all over the world (around 130 different countries) to mingle and converse with each other. Here, you get to see what is coming up for the year in terms of new EdTech and new trends for teaching. In 2020, the conference has six themes it’ll be focusing on. These are wellbeing, inclusion, empowering teaching and learning, innovation, future tech, and social mobility.
3. TCEA Convention and Exposition – February – Austin, Texas
This event, held annually by the Texas Computer Education Association, is aimed at helping teachers get inspired the next school year. It runs over five days and includes over 1000 talks and workshops. There are also 450 EdTech companies coming in to exhibit. Educators get to try out the latest innovations and talk to experts about how to use it in the classroom. They also get to talk to each other in interactive sessions about new or different ways to use technology.
4. SXSW EDU – March – Austin, Texas
This event is the youngest edition to the South by South West family. However, it has grown in leaps and bounds since it started in 2011. It’s less of a traditional conference or exhibition, and is more of a festival of learning with a focus on global education. The organisers work hard to ensure that there is a wide range of speakers and events within the conference. This gives attendees as diverse a look at education as possible. At the event, you can enjoy panels and workshops, plus a few keynote addresses from industry specialists. There are also some great interactive programs and even a one-day education expo that is open to the public.
5. SIIA EdTech Industry Conference – May – San Francisco, California
This offering from the Software and Information Industry Association is largely for those in the business of EdTech. That’s not to say it isn’t a good one for educators and school representatives to attend. There is a big focus on what EdTech is available and how it is and can be used in schools, plus educational trends. The main drive of the conference is looking at how to stay relevant in the EdTech industry. Helping to find the next innovation in EdTech is also a major element of the conference. The CODiE Awards are another big draw for this conference.
6. EdTechX Summit – June – London, UK
This one-day summit falls into the middle of London EdTech Week in 2020. It’s well known for being the premier summit in Europe for the industry, with its mission being to connect the global learning community. Educators love it because they get to see what innovations are coming for their classrooms. EdTech creators love it because they get to actually engage with teachers and find out what it is they want, need and currently use.
7. ISTE – June-July – Anaheim, California
The International Society for Technology in Education holds one of the largest events on the EdTech calendar in the world every year. The aim is to bring together educators and tech creators in order to open the lines of communication between the two sides of the EdTech world. 2020’s theme is Where Dream It Becomes Do It – a message that anything is possible when the right people have the right conversations.
8. NTAC – July – Detroit, Michigan
The New Tech Annual Conference is a great space for educators who want to bring the latest and best EdTech into their classrooms. The event features a range of talks and interactive workshops where teachers can openly engage with EdTech innovators and leaders in the industry. Attendees also have ample opportunity to network with like-minded individuals to help them keep the conversation going throughout the year.
9. EduTECH Africa – October – Johannesburg, South Africa
This is the only conference of its kind happening on the African continent. It’s now in its sixth year and attendees come from all over Africa to take part in the discussions. You can network with other educators and those who are innovating in the EdTech industry – both internationally and locally. This conference is part of a global organisation that brings EduTECH events to countries all over the world.
10. Edcamp – year round – international
Edcamps are completely different to your standard conference or expo. They’re driven by conversation and the actual topic of discussion isn’t decided on until the session starts. The topic is chosen depending on what those involved feel is a point of concern or confusion or even just something they really want to discuss – all relating to how EdTech is used in the classroom. These camps are one-day events that happen throughout the year. They mostly take place in the US, but there are several international options too.
It’s a full EdTech calendar
There are so many great options to attend, and it’s hard to choose where you should be spending your time and money. We hope our top 10 for the 2020 EdTech calendar have helped you to narrow down your choices. We’re looking forward to a great 2020, full of exciting innovations for educators and schools. And don’t worry, Mobile Guardian will be right there with you, protecting your students, as the world of EdTech keeps moving forward.
Onwards
Robyn Hobson
Team Mobile Guardian
