MANAGING ICT BETT 2011: Survival tips


Next week, BETT 2011, kicks off when thousands of educationalists


are expected to attend to see what around 700 exhibitors have to offer. Linda Thomas offers her advice on surviving the throng and ensuring you get what you want from the show


Prepare and prioritise your aims


With more than 700 exhibitors at the show, many offering similar solutions, it can be extremely easy to get side-tracked. Create a list of your key objectives, including the exhibitors you wish to meet and the resources you would like to see demonstrated. Leaving the show with none of the information you intended to discover but numerous non-relevant leaflets and free gifts is easily done but can be avoided if you fully prepare.


Plan your route


You have no doubt heard this advice repeatedly but it cannot be stressed enough. As well as being clear about what you want to achieve from the day and which solutions you would like to learn more about, it is also useful to pre-map your route.


You can use the MyBETT tool on the BETT website.


This decreases the chance of being diverted by other unintentional visits. If possible, schedule appointments with exhibitors prior to the day. If an exhibitor’s stand is busy it can be frustrating and waiting to speak to a representative is not time best spent. However, with a pre-booked appointment your time will not be wasted.


Open your mind


Although it is important to decide which exhibitors you are keen to visit, do be prepared to revise your plan and be flexible if necessary. If for example you see a resource that is particularly exciting, do take the opportunity to stop by and collect some leaflets. Chances are, if you tell yourself you will pay a visit later, time may run out and you will not get the opportunity. Exhibitions can simply be a place to meet with potential providers of your required solution – and most companies will welcome meeting users face-to- face and can potentially arrange to visit your school or authority at another more convenient time following the event.


Book seminars


Seminars at BETT are led by education practitioners with a wealth of knowledge and sector expertise. It is an excellent opportunity to top up your understanding on key issues. With a host of seminars covering four topics – management, training and development, innovation, and curriculum and assessment – there is something for everyone. Remember that many exhibitors run a rolling


programme of on-stand short seminars and training sessions. Contact the exhibitors before you visit the show to establish which sessions you want to attend. If you are with colleagues, divide the seminars and workshops you are interested in and take notes.


Chat to people and network!


If you are staying overnight or do not live too far away, take up any invites to evening gatherings. Alternatively, there is the Leaders’ Lounge and International Lounge, where the respective people can relax with a coffee and network – make the most of these opportunities.


Comfort is key


This may be an obvious one, but it is amazing how phenomenally exhausting a day at the exhibition can be. I cannot stress too highly the importance of comfortable shoes and clothing.


Go away and think about it.


Confronted with so much choice, it can be difficult to think clearly; I would advise not to be pushed into making a quick decision on the spot. While some exhibitors write on-stand orders, some will not. If you are not sure about resources you have seen, take time after the show to assess and consider everything. Once back at school, discuss your thoughts with


colleagues, gauge their opinions, and then possibly invite the company to the school again. BETT is the ideal place to explore various options but as a busy environment is not necessarily the ideal place for impulsive decisions.


Dedicate two days.


I know it can be difficult to take one day off, let alone two, however if possible, I would advise allocating more than one day. This enables you to have a day to determine what is available and eliminate as necessary and by the second day you will have better clarity.


Refresh and relax Touch and test


The sheer volume of BETT and the variety of exhibitors make it the ideal time to become familiarised with new innovations within the sector. The majority of exhibitors schedule product launches in line with major exhibitions. Make time to not only view on-stand demonstrations of products you are interested in, but also test and experiment with them yourself. You may discover that a product of which you were uncertain of its suitability is actually perfect for your requirements; it is the ideal time to establish what is most appropriate for your needs.


www.etwinning.net The Community for Schools in Europe


With over 100,000 active members in 32 European countries, eTwinning is an eff ective online partner fi nding and collaboration tool for teachers, pupils and schools.


 Bring Europe to your classroom  It’s free, easy and safe to use  Develop 21st century learning skills  Raise standards and motivation in your classroom  Access great professional development and funding opportunities  Work towards a full International School Award


“eTwinning is an easily accessible network that enables teachers and pupils to participate in international projects that reaps both personal and pupil benefi ts”


Steven Hales - Executive Head Teacher, Burnham Market Primary School


It is surprising how easy it is not to take a break, due to there being so much to see, hear and learn. Always carry a bottle of water with you to rehydrate, and make time for regular breaks. If you are flustered, frustrated and weary you will not be in the right frame of mind to meet with people or watch demonstrations. Most importantly, enjoy your day and ask exhibitors as many questions as possible.


SecEd


• Linda Thomas is vice president, marketing, for SMART Technologies (stand B50 at BETT 2011).


Further information www.bettshow.com/mybett


For further information and support, visit www.britishcouncil.org/etwinning SecEd • January 6 2011 11


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