10/30/2024
For Show Director Joe Tucker, EDspaces is a “one-two punch” of fun and learning that can’t be found anywhere else. Attendees and vendors alike are in store for a treat as this year’s show heads to Houston, Texas in early November.
EDspaces is scheduled to take place November 12 to 14. While last year’s show saw a record of more than 1,800 attendees, this year’s event is on track to see a slight increase in numbers, according to Tucker. About 175 exhibitors had signed up as of mid-September, 50 of which are new to EDspaces. “There’s more flooring, more technology and audio visual (vendors),” Tucker said. “Today, you can’t really build a classroom without the integration of all the technology that’s in it.”
New features
Tucker strives to provide a handful of new features at each year’s show, and the 2024 EDspaces is no different. The show floor will feature unique spaces, including the Ultimate Durability Zone, presented by My Resource Library. Here, presenters will showcase performance challenges of furniture – with a mix of hands-on and professional demonstrations – while offering practical solutions. Additionally, the Collaboration Learning Lab by Jay Litman of Litman Architecture will present innovative furniture from various companies and demonstrate how they work together in a modern learning environment.
“It’s a hands-on project where attendees will experience the educational ecosystem where complimentary furniture lines help to support and foster the development of learning,” Tucker said. “When most people come to an event like this, they’re only seeing each manufacturer’s product one at a time, which isn’t what happens in schools; you have a lot of different products in the same room. That’s what Jay is trying to show: how all of this comes together to work for this network of learning and creating better outcomes.”
If attendees need a moment of calm to relax, recharge and check emails, they can head to EDspaces Park. The green spot located on the show floor will have greenery, hydroponic growing demonstrations and even a chance to pet some puppies.
“There’s so much new,” Tucker stated.
Educate yourself
Learning opportunities will be plentiful. Attendees can take field trips to schools in the Houston area as part of the EDfacility Tours. Three K-12 EDfacility Tours, two set for November 11 and the third on November 14, will visit elementary and high schools. The Higher EDfacility Tour on November 14 will focus on San Jacinto College and the University of Houston’s new College of Medicine.
Back at the convention center, Digital Promise President and CEO Jean-Claude Brizard will take to the stage on November 12 as the keynote speaker. Brizard, who has spent decades in the education field, will discuss the connections between neuroscience, the science of learning and innovative school design. “I can’t wait to hear him discuss his company’s holistic approach that prioritizes emotional wellbeing, social development and physical health of the learner,” Tucker said.
Attendees have a multitude of choices when it comes to EDsessions. There are more than 60 formal sessions planned across seven classrooms. That’s not counting the smaller sessions taking place in Activation Spaces on the show floor.
“There’s a lot more education all around,” Tucker stated.
Tucker explained that show organizers focused on bringing in more educators to host the sessions. A couple teacher-led sessions include “Transforming Learning Spaces from Traditional Classrooms to 21st Century Learning Communities” by Danielle Alger and “Future-Ready Learning for Students Through Spatial Proficiency for Educators” by Marie Woodman.
“They’re the ones who are really on the front lines in using and creating the learning environments,” Tucker said. “It’s fantastic to hear from them about what they’re doing in the real world.”
It’s time for some fun
Show attendees can connect with old friends and make a few new acquaintances at the show’s networking events.
Bold Collective Networking Event returns on November 12. Participants can network and explore leadership opportunities as they meet colleagues.
The all-industry EDfest will kick off on November 13. Attendees can head across the street from the conference center to The Rustic, which Tucker considers as “the show’s backyard.” There, guests can listen to a live band, enjoy drinks and light bites, and even take pictures with a longhorn. “It’s a really nice venue,” Tucker said. “We can bring our attendees over there where they can kick back and relax after a long few days and mingle with friends – old and new.”
Tucker seeks to continue the engaging experience that EDspaces provides. By the time people leave the show, he hopes the experience leaves a lasting impression.
“The face-to-face discussions are the true magic of live events,” he added. “Conversations lead to unexpected collaborations, crazy insights and fantastic opportunities. That’s what I hope to replicate and improve so that when people leave, they think about EDspaces.”
To register, view a full schedule and see a list of EDsessions, visit ed-spaces.com.
