EDspaces – Keeping It Fresh

There is a reason that EDspaces has been named one of the fastest growing tradeshows in the U.S. for the last three years running: your fellow leaders on the EDspaces Planning Committee are innovative and forward thinking. Each year there are new initiatives to enhance the experience and expand the scope of learning and fun. 2019 in Milwaukee is no exception. Here are just a few of the exciting new experiences that EDspaces attendees will enjoy. 

First, the designed classrooms have become a highly anticipated program at EDspaces. Each year A&D firms, dealers and manufacturers compete to design and outfit each of the classrooms where the professional development will take place. These learning spaces allow attendees the opportunity to experience new classroom design theory as well as some of the most innovative products and technology available. To better highlight these designs, there will be an Open House on Wednesday, October 23 at 5:00 pm to provide attendees the opportunity to more thoroughly explore the classrooms and speak with the designers and manufacturers to better understand how those concepts and furnishings might work in their projects.

Since the classroom program has been such a great success, we are expanding the concept to the cafeteria seating on the exhibit floor. This year the seating areas will be designed and furnished by AmTab Manufacturing, mediatechnologies, and Palmer Hamilton. Now the EDspaces Cafe will be part of the overall experience and a real showcase of what is possible.

Another new aspect of EDspaces centers on using artificial intelligence to connect attendees with relevant education sessions, peers, and products. The connectED mobile app is based on the answers to three quick questions at registration. This new program will suggest connections to make the EDspaces experience more meaningful and help attendees better utilize their time and meet with the individuals and companies that can most help deliver the results they seek.

Come and meet with your association staff at the EDmarket Arcade. Have a little fun and test your hand at skee-ball, basketball, hockey and pinball. See what’s new with your association and find out how you can become more involved and impact the industry.

And lastly, EDfest is coming alive again in Milwaukee with the help of sponsor MUZO. This fun industry party will be held on Thursday evening in the convention center right at the close of the exhibit hall. It will feature a concert by four separate nationally-acclaimed recording groups, delicious food, and free flowing beverages.

EDspaces is going to be a great experience when in addition to all of this you realize there are over 165 exhibitors in more than 600 10’x10’ spaces to explore, 54 professional development sessions to choose from, and tours of 13 different school and college buildings. If you are in the business of educational facilities, you need to be there. See you in Milwaukee!

Jim McGarry, EDmarket

Jim McGarry’s wealth of knowledge and expertise in manufacturing and distribution in both the commercial and education space has served the Education Market Association (EDmarket) well since 2011. As President/CEO of EDmarket, he facilitated the board’s communication of a redefined mission to connect people who want to succeed in the education market by providing events, resources, and leadership to those who serve education.