Inside education’s biggest professional development bonanza

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In August, EduTECH 2023 will showcase the latest trends, market disruptors and technologies shaping the education industry

ANY EDUCATOR worth their salt knows the importance of keeping up with the latest trends, tools and best practices if they, and their students, want to be ahead of the curve. While there’s no shortage of ‘teachmeets’ and other professional seminars to help educators sharpen their professional skill sets, few events offer the chance to connect directly with hundreds of the world’s most influential global thought leaders and service providers in education. Enter EduTECH, the largest national conference and exhibition of educational technology in Australia.

EduTECH is the largest education event in Australia, attracting over 10,000 attendees from across the K-12, higher education, learning and development and education infrastructure sectors. The dynamic event offers a diverse range of keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops delivered by leading experts, exploring the latest trends and innovations in education. EduTECH provides an opportunity for educators and industry leaders to network and collaborate, sharing insights and ideas on the future of education. The expo floor features cutting-edge edtech products and services from world-leading experts, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in education. EduTECH is proudly supported by the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and Global Victoria.

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“These themes reflect the current challenges and opportunities as schools grapple with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the need to prepare students for the digital age and the introduction of AI in teaching and learning”

Rita Nehme, Terrapinn

Rita Nehme, marketing director at Terrapinn – the organiser of this mammoth annual conference – says EduTECH’s mission is to “enhance education in Australia through promoting innovative teaching methods, inclusivity and equity, showcasing new technologies, and fostering lifelong learning”. “Over the years, EduTECH has evolved into a multidisciplinary event that offers a diverse range of conferences, pre-event workshops, breakout sessions and a massive expo floor with a strong focus on pedagogy, leadership and professional development,” Nehme tells The Educator. “It's a significant networking opportunity for educators in Australia and an ideal platform to earn qualified PD while discovering the latest trends and innovations in education technology.” Nehme says the key focuses of EduTECH this year include teacher and student wellbeing, digital literacy, AI in education, esports, and educational leadership. “These themes reflect the current challenges and opportunities in Australia's K-12 education sector as schools grapple with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the need to prepare students for the digital age and the introduction of AI in teaching and learning,” Nehme says.

Terrapinn’s conference producer, Elizabeth Paterson, says the event is taking a “future-forward approach” this year. “EduTECH is essentially doubling its capacity and expanding its offering to include 10 conference tracks that will be paid-to-attend,” Paterson says. “There will also be 10 free-to-attend expo seminars taking place on the expo floor, with the aim of further driving learning, teaching and training forward, while envisioning what the classroom of the future might look like.” Some of the most highly anticipated presentations by the event's 455 speakers include those by Saku Tuominen, founder of HundrED; Gary Stager, founder of Constructing Modern Knowledge; and Philip Regier, university dean for educational initiatives and CEO of EdPlus at Arizona State University.

Attendees will also hear from some big names in Australian education, including Erica Southgate, associate professor of emerging technologies for education at the University of Newcastle, Sandra Milligan, enterprise professor and director at the Assessment Research Centre at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne; and Melanie Hughes, curriculum specialist of technologies at the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.

Before the main event, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in pre-event workshops on 23 August. These are designed to provide a hands-on learning experience with qualified trainers. They offer a collaborative exploration of innovative ideas, emerging practices and transformative approaches to learning, teaching and leading. Attendees can choose from a range of pre-event workshops, including:

“The EduTECH expo floor offers a diverse range of unique features that cater to all attendees, aligning with the conference’s overall themes of showcasing the latest education technology and services”

Arron Penman, Terrapinn

Event director Arron Penman notes that attendees can also look forward to several unique and highly engaging features and attractions on the expo floor. Some of the big names that will be showcasing the latest that cutting-edge edtech has to offer include Google for Education, Apple, Lenovo, Asus, HP, Samsung, Lego Education and Adobe. “The EduTECH expo floor offers a diverse range of unique features that cater to all attendees, aligning with the conference's overall themes of showcasing the latest education technology and services,” Penman says. This year’s event will also include ‘Key Zones’, which have been added to the massive 19,500sqm expo floor, Penman says.

This year, EduTECH’s expo floor will have an exciting new addition – a national esports tournament, Nehme says. “At EduTECH we recognise its potential to positively impact student learning and engagement,” Nehme says. “This year, we are proud to partner with The FUSE Cup – International School Esports to host an esports tournament on the expo floor, specifically designed to teach students about inclusion, social values, positive gaming behaviours and digital wellbeing.” The tournament, which will feature schools from across Australia, will give attendees the opportunity to learn about the positive impact of esports in education, Nehme says. “Additionally, we have a pre-conference workshop titled ‘Building Esports into the Curriculum’, led by MJ Raatz, head of department – digital technologies and business at Forest Lake State High School. The workshop will explore how to include esports across the curriculum, using both online and offline gaming systems within the classroom and embedding achievement standards into planning,” Nehme says. “Attendees will receive learning resources and planning documents to help kick-start their journey into this exciting curriculum area of esports. There are only limited spots available for workshops, so secure your spot early.”

A glimpse into the future of education

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Published 22 May 2023

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Dive deeper with pre-event workshops

Computational Learning Adventures with Gary Stager Building Esports into the Curriculum Creating VR Learning Experiences LEGO Education Workshop Grok Academy Workshop

In addition to gaining practical knowledge and skills, attendees can earn up to seven hours of PD accreditation. Lunch will also be provided, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience for all. Please note that spaces are limited, so register early to secure your spot.

A networking goldmine

As well as offering multiple avenues for attendees to network – including dedicated networking sessions, facilitated meetings and an app that enables matchmaking before, during and after the event – EduTECH will also host networking drinks, known as the EduPARTY, after the first day of the event and bring back the much-loved Gala Dinner – the Ed-Innovation Celebration Gala Dinner. “The Gala Dinner is a conference highlight that provides an opportunity for attendees to connect with peers, industry

“Our Innovation Stage, produced in collaboration with EduGrowth, offers a program of keynotes, panel discussions focused on innovations in K-12 education and opportunities for EdTech entrepreneurs,” Nehme says. “The Innovation Alley and Pitchfest provide start-ups with a platform to showcase their products and services, pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges and potential investors, and connect with industry leaders and decision-makers.”

leaders and keynote speakers in a relaxed setting. The Gala Dinner will feature entertainment, a three-course meal and a keynote,” Nehme says. “At EduTECH, networking is at the intersection of all that we do, and we work to ensure attendees can exchange ideas, form relationships and partnerships, grow their professional network, explore the future and uncover new opportunities before, during and after the event.”

Esports in the spotlight

*An exclusive discount applies for The Educator members reading this piece (the discount is an additional 20% off the current discounted price). Use discount code EDU20 to secure your spot and save!

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On 24 and 25 August this year, more than 10,000 attendees, 400 exhibitors and 455 speakers will converge on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, thanks to support from the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and Global Victoria.

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“The Key Zones will showcase the latest solutions in cyber and cloud, campus management, diverse education needs and inclusion, facilities management, learning spaces, music, sport, wellbeing and workplace learning,” he says. “Additionally, the Demo Stage is a hub of activity where exhibitors present their latest products and insights on how they can improve learning outcomes.” Penman says another expo highlight is the Innovation Alley, which is dedicated to education start-ups. This is where educators come to explore new innovations and investors come to find their next unicorn. EduTECH has been supporting these education start-ups by providing them with opportunities to connect with potential investors, partners and customers.