Unlocking even more connections with the launch of new digital products at Bett

Last month, Bett UK, the largest education technology show in the world, brought together the global education community to showcase EdTech excellence and demonstrate the endless opportunities to reshape and transform the future of education. The 39th edition saw the launch of two new digital products and the expansion of its tech-enabled connections programme Connect @ Bett. These products are equipping education and government buyers to be effective users and buyers of technology, while providing exhibitors with a sharper marketing tool kit to stand out and increase engagement from the visitors most relevant to them.

Last year, the show experienced the biggest transformation in its history by launching Connect @ Bett – a ground-breaking new meetings programme disrupting how the EdTech industry meets and does business. The successful programme was optimised for year two, with connections taking place on exhibitor stands and saw a tripling in the number of buyers using the tool, resulting in 24,000 stand visits being scheduled.

“This year it was even easier to manage time spent with chosen exhibitors. I could only do one day, so it meant I was sure I could visit the companies I wanted to,” said Andrew Jones, Director of Information Technology at St. Thomas More Catholic School.

“I discovered a lot of new companies I would have missed otherwise,” is how a Student Experience Digital Lead from University of Liverpool described the programme.

TableTalks connected 1,000 international educators through powerful 45-minute conversations at 135 high energy roundtable discussions. Selecting from 10 trending topics, TableTalks created a space where every voice counts. As one educator put it, this innovative new product “gathered kindred spirits to resolve educational issues”.

“I cannot recommend this innovative programme enough. Participating in this discussion, I was able to learn, grow, and debate with likeminded individuals in a sponsor-free environment,” said Erika D’Souza, Assistant Professor at University of Tokyo.

Solution Providers weren't at the table for this one, but Bett is exploring opportunities for 2025 to bring the magic of TableTalks to more people.

The second new product introduced was Tech User Labs, interactive 45-minute sessions where technology users had the opportunity to learn from the world’s top education experts. From AI-powered accessibility with Microsoft Copilot to Immersive Learning with Meta, the sessions equipped educators to be able to unlock the potential of their technology.

The Director of Experiential Marketing, Education and Media at Microsoft Worldwide Education commented: "We were thrilled that by participating in the Bett Tech User Labs, we enabled over 1,200 educators to master our AI powered education tools, which will help them transform learning and create opportunities for their students worldwide. We were very happy with the collaboration with the Bett team and are excited to provide new sessions at Bett 2025!"

1,600 educators joined Bett’s first line-up of 16 Tech User Labs. The demand for these sessions was clear to see, with sessions being 13 times over-subscribed - a huge hit and a significant growth opportunity for next year.

Bett 2024 was dynamic and transformative, continuing to increase the value it provides to customers with a growing target audience which is more visible, attainable and engaged. The launch of two brand-new digital products saw registration increase 33% and onsite engagement skyrocket.

Bett’s 40th edition in 2025 will see growth of existing digital products, and the launch of further new products to capitalise on activities happening in and around the show, and cementing Bett as THE biggest week for education, globally.