FETC 2019 Features Increased Attendance and Record-Setting Expo Hall

7 minutes read
A+A-
Reset
sunrise sea

More than 10,000 educators from all 50 states and 75 countries attended the annual event, along with a record-setting 470+ exhibiting companies

March 06, 2019

FETC registered logoPALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. ― The 39th National Future of Education Technology Conference® (FETC®) brought more than 10,000 teachers, administrators, industry professionals, analysts and edtech enthusiasts to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Attendance increased for the second consecutive year, with participants from all 50 states and 75 countries attending and enjoying the opportunity to engage in more than 600 learning sessions and explore an Expo Hall filled with more than 470 exhibiting companies, a conference record.  

“The Future of Education Technology Conference continues to grow, increasing not only the overall number of attendees in consecutive years, but attracting participants from across the country and around the globe, and continuing the trend of diversifying the educator and administrator roles represented,” said Dr. Robert Avossa, Sr. VP and Publisher of Education Products for LRP Media Group. “Through our focus on providing the best targeted content to meet the relevant needs of each attendee group, we’ve been able to deliver a unique experience among edtech conferences. We look forward to adding even more new opportunities for participants next year, as we celebrate the 40th FETC event in Miami, Fla.”

The record-setting expo featured a Startup Pavilion, Early Learning Pavilion, Game Based Learning Pavilion and Hands-On Technology Lab to give attendees specific opportunities to interact with the companies that interested them most. Combined with four full days of workshops and sessions, totaling more than 600 learning opportunities aligned to targeted content tracks, the conference presented unmatched options for participants to meet their professional development needs.

“FETC is not only the first education technology event each calendar year, but the biggest and best opportunity for superintendents, CIOs, CTOs and other district leaders to learn about the latest, most effective technology tools and best practices,” said JD Solomon, Editorial Director of District Administration. “With an unmatched breadth and depth of technology-focused content, a lineup of speakers representing the most sought-after perspectives in the industry, and a record-setting exhibit hall, the 2019 conference was a success across the board, and sets the stage for even further growth in 2020.”

Some of the conference highlights follow:

65 New Products Introduced in FETC Expo

55 exhibiting companies introduced a record-setting total of 65 new products in the 2019 FETC Expo. The new products included solutions to help schools teach social-emotional skills, media literacy, English language arts, STEM and coding; support students’ mental health and well-being; manage class rosters, security, devices and networks; improve the after school pick-up process; enhance grading, engagement and communication; and more.

Squiggle Park Named 2019 FETC PitchFest Winner

A record-setting 31 edtech startups competed in the 2019 FETC Pitchfest, an event where a panel of expert judges and FETC’s educator attendees evaluated the hottest tools and resources from the best-of-the-best companies nominated by industry accelerators. Squiggle Park, a Canadian company providing bite-sized video games that develop mastery of foundational reading skills through practice and play, was named the winner. The other companies to advance to the final round were Cirkled In, codeSpark and Scrible. As its award for winning the Pitchfest, Squiggle Park had the opportunity to present to the conference VIP group, comprised of superintendents, CIOs, and other administrators, in the FETC VIP Lounge on Wednesday, January 30, and will also receive a complimentary 10’ x 10’ exhibit space at FETC 2020.

STEM Excellence Awards Presented at Closing Keynote

The winners of the 2019 FETC STEM Excellence Awards sponsored by State Farm―one each at the elementary, middle and high school levels―were announced ahead of the closing keynote presented by Dr. Mae Jemison on Wednesday morning, January 30. A panel of seven high-ranking education professionals served as judges for the awards and selected the winners based on criteria including interdisciplinary curriculum, collaboration, design, problem-solving and the STEM experiences offered to their students. The winners are:

• Elementary School Division: Herbert Mills STEM Elementary, Reynoldsburg City Schools, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

• Middle School Division: The STEM Academy at Bartlett, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Savannah, Ga.

• High School Division:  Apple Valley High School, Independent School District 196, Apple Valley, Minn.

Throughout the conference, each of these award-winning schools, along with their fellow finalists, gave a presentation in the STEM Theater in the FETC Expo Hall. During these 30-minute sessions, educators from the schools showcased their lesson ideas, program successes and implementation strategies to FETC attendees.

“From the record number of new products unveiled in the Expo Hall to the 31 impressive startups competing in the Pitchfest, 600-plus sessions and workshops, and exemplary practices demonstrated by the STEM Excellence Award-winning schools, FETC 2019 engaged attendees of all roles in diverse experiences that provided new perspectives and strengthened their practice,” said Lenny Schad, FETC Co-Chair. “FETC continues to demonstrate an impressive track record of successful growth, and we’re positioned for an exciting conference in 2020 when we head to Miami.”

FETC 2020 Moves to Miami

FETC’s 40th anniversary event will travel south to Miami for the first time, taking place January 14-17, 2020, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Exhibit space is now available. To learn more about exhibiting opportunities, visit fetc.org/exhibit. Registration for the 2020 Future of Education Technology Conference will open June 2019. Educators who would like to be notified when registration opens can join the FETC mailing list at www.fetc.org.  

About the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)

The Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) annually attracts thousands of education and technology leaders for an intensive, highly collaborative exploration of new technologies, best practices and pressing issues. With basic to advanced sessions tailored to the needs of each role in the digital transformation, FETC is known as one of the nation’s premier preK-12 education technology events. FETC provides school and district administrators, classroom teachers, IT professionals, special education directors, curriculum and media specialists, and other educators with roles or interest in ed tech, the opportunity to explore the most effective integration of technology across the curriculum. FETC offers a balanced blend of administrative, instructional and technical content through targeted sessions, intensive workshops, hands-on demonstrations of the newest products, and more. Visit fetc.org for more details.

About LRP Media Group

LRP Media Group, founded in 1977 by Kenneth Kahn, is an innovative media giant serving millions of business and education professionals worldwide. Specializing in education administration, education law, education technology, federal employment, human resources, workers’ compensation and disability, LRP produces thousands of books, pamphlets, newsletters, videos and online resources. The company also produces five industry-leading print and digital magazines for key decision-makers: District AdministrationHuman Resources Executive®HRM AsiaRisk & Insurance® and University Business. Additionally, LRP annually delivers top-quality training and professional development to more than 80,000 professionals through its 13 award-winning conferences and tradeshows in China, Singapore and the United States. LRP currently employs more than 500 professionals in its Connecticut, Florida, Pennsylvania, Singapore and Washington, D.C. offices. Headquartered in Palm Beach County since 1996, the company has more than $70 million in annual revenue. For a complete list of LRP resources, eCourses and conferences, please visit www.lrp.com.

Media Contacts:

Rennette Fortune
LRP Media Group
P: 561.622.6520
C: 561.373.9870
E: [email protected]
www.LRP.com


MindRocket Media Group, Inc.

E:

Author

  • EdCircuit Staff

    edCircuit is a mission-based organization entirely focused on the K-20 EdTech Industry and emPowering the voices that can provide guidance and expertise in facilitating the appropriate usage of digital technology in education. Our goal is to elevate the voices of today’s innovative thought leaders and edtech experts. Subscribe to receive notifications in your inbox

edCircuit emPowers the voices of education, with hundreds of  trusted contributors, change-makers and industry-leading innovators.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

@edcircuit

Copyright © 2014-2022, edCircuit Media – emPowering the Voices of Education.  

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?