In this article…
Introduction
The Bett Show is the world’s largest education technology show. Sadly, the seminars are not going to be recorded this time. However, all is not lost. Here are some ways you can keep abreast of what’s happening.
Before Bett
The Bett website is live at www.bettshow.com, so here’s what to do right now. First, sign up to receive a notification every time a new article is posted on the Bett blog. Go to https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles, and subscribe.
Next, register for Bett, even though you can’t attend in person. You should start to receive updates as the event draws nearer. Also, you’ll be ready should your headteacher eventually decide that you can attend!
To make certain you’re kept up to date with newly-added speakers and exhibitors, subscribe to the Bett mailing list at https://www.bettshow.com/sign-up-to-the-bett-mailing-list.
During Bett
There are several ways of keeping informed on social media. If you have a Twitter account, follow Bett at @bett_show. The official hashtag is #Bett2022, but also in use are #Bett, #Bett22 and #CreateTheFuture. Search those hashtags to find out what people are talking about in relation to Bett. You’ll find a lot of promotion ahead of the event. However, during the event there will be more of teachers’ impressions and experiences. On the whole they will be people with no axe to grind.
Why not create your own Bett-related Twitter list? When you do so (by clicking on Lists and then the New List plus sign), start by entering @bett_show and then a selection of other Bett-related accounts will appear. Adding several of those to your list will ensure that you won’t be short of relevant news!
If you’re on LinkedIn, you can follow Bett at https://www.linkedin.com/company/bettshow/.
There is also, as you might expect, an official Bett YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/bettshow, which it may be worth subscribing to. Even better, search YouTube for bett2022 or Bett 2022, because then you will also discover unofficial Bett news and advice, including interviews and personal impressions.
There is also Bett Radio, which will be interviewing people and reporting each day of the show. You can listen live, or there may be a “listen again” feature. Look out for more information at https://uk.bettshow.com.
After Bett
If there are any exhibitors whose products you’d like to have seen, it’s worth getting in touch with them. They may have recorded their demonstrations or talks. They would certainly be able to send you information. You’ll find the list of exhibitors here: https://uk.bettshow.com/bett-suppliers-list.
Similarly, if there were seminars you’d have liked to attended, it might be worth contacting the presenters to see if their slides are available. Obviously, there is no guarantee of a positive response – or, indeed, any response – but nothing ventured…. Look here for the speaker list: https://uk.bettshow.com/speakers.
Finally, look out for reports on Bett. A particularly comprehensive one is usually published by FutureSource immediately after the show. Look on https://www.futuresource-consulting.com/.
These suggestions should help to ensure that you keep up with the new ideas and product launches that happen at Bett.
This article was originally published in Teach Secondary magazine under the title Bett at a distance.
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