Unsure about whether or not to head to Bett (ExCeL London, 24th - 27th January) this year? Here are 10 scheduled sessions showing how essential the exhibition will be for schools in 2018...

With the holiday season done and dusted, our attention for the most part turns to diary planning for the year ahead. For those working in the education sector, particularly those involved with, or interested in educational technology, the Bett Show will perhaps be the highlight of the first month of the year.

How do teachers really know that what’s happening in their school is making a difference? Are school leaders as effective as they can be? How can they be confident that their teachers are having the biggest impact possible, and how can school business managers effectively support all of this? With these issues in mind, the Schools, Students and Teachers (SSAT) network will be holding the SSAT National Conference 2017 in Manchester, which will be taking place from 30th November to 1st December.

Here at Nesta, we’re gearing up for our flagship education and skills event, and we need you to get involved. 'Acting Now for Future Skills' will explore how educators and policymakers can respond to growing demand for the future skills highlighted by our recent report, 'The Future of Skills: Employment in 2030'. We know that we don’t have all the answers, so we want as many educators as possible to take an active role in preparing for the future.

Teachers, school leaders and independent educators will be heading to Loughborough University London on 11th November for InnovateEdTech 2017. What’s more, organisers InnovateEvents are offering Innovate My School readers a 25% discount on both teacher and non-teacher ticket prices. Just use the code “IMS25” when you check out on the ticket page to get the discount. 

A year in edtech in one word? “Bett” - as in the Bett Show (24th - 27th January 2018). The largest edtech show in the world takes place in London every January. Over 900 exhibitors fill the vast hall of ExCeL London, with upwards of 35,000 people visiting from across the globe. From the cutting-edge of virtual reality, to innovative initiatives helping schools cut down on workload and help save money, it’s all there.

I took control of my CPD a few years ago by joining Twitter, attending, then presenting at #teachmeets. This led to me organising some grassroots events, starting to blog and co-founding #womened. Following the success of #womened I have supported the launch of #BAMEed, #LGBTed and #DisabilityEd. Each of these events develop my understanding and appreciation for the teaching community.

Have you ever wondered how your pupils would benefit from participating in an international exchange programme? How do you think your classroom would respond if you were to provide them with a more global approach to education? It is our most sincere pleasure and delight to invite hardworking teachers and school leaders to join us on our team’s next trip to China - with expenses paid - to experience the benefits of global education firsthand!

I tweet and blog a lot about my network and how being an outward-facing leader who is connected to a wider educational community fuels me. It the last few years through Twitter, StaffRm, #womened and now #bameed, through #teachmeets, #leadmeets and #researched I have met a plethora of fantastic educational contacts who have inspired me, empowered me and connected me. Through these connections I have ended up meeting brilliant educators and collaborating on some fantastic projects. These collaborations have reignited my passion for my profession.

On Friday 7th July, Shireland Collegiate Academy in the West Midlands hosted their very own Innovate My School LIVE event. This was the first stop on a school budget-centric roadshow showing school leaders how to do more with less.