EduTECH Australia, described as ‘one giant festival for all of education’, has broken several records at its 2023 event, including the largest attendance since the pandemic disrupted face-to-face events.
The annual event was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 24-25 August.
Ms Rita Nehme, marketing director of global events company Terrapinn, which organises EduTECH Australia, said over 12,000 people pre-registered to attend the annual event, a record since COVID, and the exhibition space was also larger than previous years, covering 20,000 sqm.
“About 80% of attendees were from Victoria, with the remainder from interstate and New Zealand,” Nehme said.
The event attracts a range of educators, from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, plus school business managers and information and communications technology personnel.
“We had 350 exhibitors and 45 start-ups in Innovation Alley, a concept to give start-ups a leg-up, which we run in partnership with EduGrowth. We also introduced several new elements this year, including niche education seminars in math, sport, library, diverse education needs and wellbeing,” she said.
EduTECH also featured new exhibitors this year, including Samsung and US-based e-Learning software company Classin. Samsung launched its WAC Interactive Display, a new education-focused interactive device designed to enhance usability and connectivity, at the event.
“We also had a record number of speakers this year, with a total of 567 local and international invited speakers, including Richard Culatta, CEO of International Society for Technology in Education, who spoke on the hot topic of AI in education,” Nehme said.
“Another new feature this year, which proved to be very popular, was The FUSE Cup eSports competition, in partnership with The FUSE Cup. We ran two competitions, with students representing their respective school.”
Also new at EduTECH in 2023 were five pre-event workshops held the day prior to the main event. The workshops were hosted separately by Dr Gary Stager, founder of Constructing Modern Knowledge; Lego; Grok Academy; Ms Gina Solano, assistant professor of ed tech at State University of New York and Mr MJ Raatz, head of department – digital technologies and business, at Forest Lake State High School in Queensland.
“About 50 people attended each workshop, which included a practical component, and was credited for professional development points,” Nehme said.
About 300 people attended a gala dinner at The Forum on 24 August, hosted by comedian and media personality Dave Hughes with guest Brad Blaze, a well-known speed painter, and sponsored by multiple agencies.
Nehme said that while Terrapinn was analysing results of a post-event survey to gather feedback from attendees, planning is underway for next year’s event. It will take place on 13-14 August 2024 at the same venue in Melbourne (MCEC).
To secure your spot at EduTECH next year, use discount code EM30 for an exclusive 30% off your delegate pass.
