Key education event posts 10% visitor growth

Registration numbers at the National Education Summit were up 10% on last year, with strong attendance across The Education Show, Special Needs Symposium, Digital Classroom Conference, Transforming Australian Schools Conference and Positive Education Conference.

Almost 1800 educators stepped out of schools to attend an inspiring professional development event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre encompassing four conferences and one trade on Friday 30 August – Saturday 31 August 2019.

“It’s really pleasing to see strong delegate growth across the key events of the National Education Summit. Each year Australia’s education sector come together for this must-attend event in Melbourne, and we are delighted to have achieved great outcomes for this event both in terms of numbers and the quality of the program which delivers outstanding professional development opportunities for teachers, school leaders and principals,” Marie Kinsella, CEO, International Conference and Exhibition Group.

From the most significant educational technology trends for schools, understanding dyslexia, anxiety identification and management, planning and support for students with mental health concerns and more, the Summit program had something for all educators.

Among the most popular seminars was Working with Challenging Behaviour presented by Clint Cassell from TESSA. Strong attendance was also seen at the seminar presented by Daphne Cohen from Department of Education and Training Vic who shared Virtual Learning, Bringing the World to your Classroom.

“The Makerspace was an energetic addition to our successful and established program. Feedback from our visitors has been very positive. Students from Geelong College, Strathcona Baptist Girls’ Grammar and Peninsula Grammar were delighted to share their STEM projects with the visitors,” Kinsella said.

Educators explored the latest cutting-edge learning, teaching resources and support services from more than 100 exhibitors within The Education Show, a free trade show held alongside the Summit.

For the first time in 2019, the National Education Summit introduced a Brisbane event in May, bringing a comprehensive professional development program to local educators without the need to travel to the flagship event in Melbourne. Following its success, the National Education Summit will again be held in Brisbane in May 2020 as well as continuing the longstanding event in Melbourne in August 2020.

Visitor snapshot

• 91% of visitors were from Victoria; 8% from interstate; and 1% from overseas.
• Over 95% of visitors indicated that it was important to attend to further their personal and/or professional
• Over 85% of visitors attended the Free Seminar Program offering 25 sessions across a range of key
• Over 73% of visitors reported that The Education Show was beneficial to them and their occupation.