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Ray Barker of BESA explains why the show is vital in times of economic difficulty as it celebrates its 20th year
 We couldn’t just let the 20th anniversary of the Education Show slide by us without making a bit of a fuss. One of the most beloved events of the year and free to attend, the annual Education Show brings together educationalists to share ideas, partake in the many CPD opportunities on offer, and have a good look at the latest resources out in education this year.
This year’s Education Show is set to be an interesting event. Falling against a backdrop of political uncertainty with the looming election and constant talk about school budgets, a visit in 2010 is imperative for all educators eager to seek advice, find out about funding and help make cost effective procurement decisions for the coming year.
Finding your way
Each year at the Education Show BESA runs the Information Point to help visitors make their trip to worthwhile. With around 400 exhibitors, it can be a daunting task to figure out who to see first, and BESA staff can help you to find exhibitors and products that are relevant for your particular needs.
To make life easier, the show organisers have completely redesigned the show this year, and it has now been divided into two clear areas. The ‘For Your School’ area contains exhibitors and seminar theatres specific to the needs of school leaders, such as products and resources used right across the school, such as ICT hardware and outside play equipment. Over in ‘For Your Classroom,’ classroom teachers, teaching assistants and other support staff can find those resources perfect for their class, from publishers, to software companies and a host of other exhibitors. This is also where you can find the Subject Associations, Primary, Secondary, SEN and Primary Seminar Theatres, the SEN Information Point run by nasen, and the BESA information point of course!
Group Travel Subsidy
As the Education Show provides such an invaluable experience for educators, BESA has been helping schools to bring their entire team to the Education Show as an Inset Day. The BESA Group Travel Subsidy is an easy way to help reimburse some of the costs associated with travel to the exhibition, and can go a long way to making sure everyone gets a chance to experience the event. Entry to the show is completely free, and now that some of your travel costs are taken care of, it certainly makes the journey a lot easier.
The BESA Group Travel Subsidy provides savings for groups of 10 or more staff travelling in excess of 50 miles to the NEC for The Education Show, who can claim a subsidy of up to £150 towards the cost of hiring a coach or minibus. Those with 10-19 staff can claim a £50 subsidy, and groups of 20 or more staff are eligible for a £100 subsidy. Also, those travelling on Thursday 4 March can claim a £50 bonus!
Reading takes a centre stage
One of the most exciting announcements for 2010 is the Education Show Literacy Conference, taking place on Friday 5 March. In association with the National Literacy Association, ‘The Future of Reading’ conference sees a number of very special guests and big names presenting at the event. Those in attendance will also be able to contribute their views and opinions about the future of reading to the development of the Literacy Conference ‘manifesto’ publication. Some of the speakers include author and former children’s laureate Michael Rosen, author of the Cambridge Encyclopaedia of the English Language Prof. David Crystal and author/publisher Verna Wilkins.
The main objective of the Literacy Conference is to place a spotlight on the issues surrounding the future of reading amongst our learners, and discuss ways we can inspire a love of reading and writing. It will be the ideal format in which to have your say, get involved in the workshops, and contribute to the production of the Literacy Conference manifesto. Many leading publishers are already on board and will be holding break out sessions in the afternoon. While attending the Education Show is free, tickets to this special, one-day conference are limited and priced at £150 per ticket, which includes the full day seminar programme and lunch. To find out more, visit www.education-show.com/reading.
There is plenty taking place at the show in 2010, with new feature areas including Cool Schools, Innovation Alley and BETT Boulevard to name just a few. I hope to see you and your team at the Education Show this year.
About BESA
BESA, the British Educational Suppliers Association, is the trade association representing over 300 educational suppliers in the UK, including manufacturers and distributors of equipment, materials, books, consumables, furniture, technology, ICT hardware and digital-content related services to the education market.
With 75 years of experience, BESA offers unparalleled support, research, events and advice on both UK and International markets, and the future of the education supplies industry. BESA is focused on promoting and providing support and advice to their members, the industry and to schools.
BESA has a Code of Practice to which all members must adhere, along with a stringent membership process, both of which assure buyers of a high standard of quality in both product and customer service.
For more information
Web: www.besa.org.uk |
