How product innovation is driving unprecedented growth at Bett

This year’s Bett UK brought together visionaries, educators, and industry leaders committed to advancing the future of learning. With over 35,000 unique attendees (up 23% from last year), Bett cemented its position as the epicentre of educational transformation. From the latest in how AI is transforming the classroom, to hands-on workshops to teach the teachers new skills, the show delivered on its mission: supporting better education, globally.

Bett continues to enhance the event experience by introducing new formats and solutions that drive value.  Tech User Labs, which we launched in 2024 expanded to 42 sessions, hosting over 3,780 educators and delivering an impressive seven million minutes of CPD training. With tech giants such as Google and Microsoft hosting, these sessions were unsurprisingly 400% over-subscribed, providing a clear path for future expansion. These sessions provided hands-on experiences with the latest EdTech solutions, from AI-driven personalised learning tools to classroom management software designed to streamline teacher workloads.

TableTalks, a space designed for peer-to-peer discussions, saw 1,390 educators exchanging ideas across 127 tables, reflecting the event’s growing influence in fostering community-driven solutions. Meanwhile, Connect @ Bett, powered by sophisticated digital matchmaking technology, facilitated over 24,000 scheduled stand visits and helped solution providers engage directly with decision-makers.

The Arena was buzzing with thought-provoking discussions, including Sir Stephen Fry and Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon’s deep dive into AI. Their session unpacked the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education, sparking conversations that extended far beyond the stage. Elsewhere, the HP Round Table tackled one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the global teacher retention crisis. With an action-oriented approach, this C-suite session delivered insights that will help shape retention strategies worldwide.

This year’s event introduced new immersive spaces designed to inspire, challenge, and provoke fresh thinking. The Fishbowl Theatre introduced interactive talks, encouraging educators to debate hot topics like ‘Find Your Tribe’ - a conversation around identity, growth, and connection in education. The debut of the SEND Village marked a significant step forward for inclusion, offering dedicated resources and discussions on accessibility, student wellbeing, and behaviour management. Sponsored by BETA and School Pod, this initiative reinforced Bett’s commitment to ensuring every learner has a voice.

The Live Classroom was another standout addition, bringing tech-integrated lessons to life with real-world applications. In partnership with LGFL, this space demonstrated how cutting-edge tools - such as augmented reality learning aids, adaptive assessment platforms, and interactive whiteboard technologies - can enhance teaching methods and engage students more effectively. Meanwhile, the new Government and Investors Lounge provided an exclusive environment for high-level policy discussions, strengthening bilateral partnerships and fostering ecosystem-wide collaboration.

Hyve’s mission has always been to create game-changing impact for our communities and customers, and Bett embodied this purpose at every turn. By combining data-driven insights with pioneering event formats, we continue to redefine what’s possible in education and events. Our digitisation strategy is not only transforming the way Bett operates but also revolutionising the event experience itself - streamlining networking, enhancing engagement, and ensuring that every attendee connects with the right people and solutions. The numbers speak for themselves: 78% of education visitors were active buyers, ensuring tangible outcomes for exhibitors, while 94% of exhibitors had planned connections before arriving on site.

With focus now on 2026, the bar is set even higher. But if there’s one thing we know for certain, it’s that Bett never stands still. The future of education is being shaped today, and at Hyve, we’re proud to be leading the charge.