As 2024 has come to a close, the Education Market Association (EDmarket) proudly reflects on a year of innovation, connection, and growth. This year has been marked by impactful programs and initiatives aimed at supporting our members and advancing the learning environment. Here are some of the key highlights from the past year:
EDmarket Certified Learning Place Specialist Program (ECLPS)
In 2024, EDmarket graduated its first cohort of the ECLPS Program, designed to empower professionals in the education market with the skills and knowledge needed to create transformative learning environments. Under the direction of Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber, participants completed a rigorous curriculum and earned certification, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to excellence in educational design and functionality. The second cohort is underway with more than double the number of students who are looking to change the world one learning environment at a time. Thank you to AmTab for their generous sponsorship of this important program.
NexGen Rising Stars
The NexGen Rising Stars program celebrated the second cohort of emerging leaders in the industry. Over 30 nominations were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges representing education institutions, A&D firms, dealerships, manufacturers and industry consultants. From these nominations, 16 rising stars were recognized for their industry contributions and potential to make a difference. This initiative recognized outstanding young professionals who have demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership, and innovation. Through mentorship and professional development opportunities, the program helps these rising stars make meaningful contributions to the industry. Nominations are now open for the 2025 cohort. Thank you to Smith System & Steelcase for sponsoring this program for 2025.
Chairman’s Roundtable
The Chairman’s Roundtable provided a platform for senior industry leaders to engage in high-level discussions about the future of the education market. These exclusive quarterly gatherings fostered collaboration among top decision-makers and allowed for the exchange of strategic insights to address key challenges and opportunities. The first two focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is impacting the classroom and the businesses who serve the education industry. Already slated for 2025 are a discussion of Career & Technical Education (CTE) Trends, and How to Design Learning Spaces for the Anxious Generation. I highly recommend choosing the Chairman’s Roundtable as one of your optional member benefits and becoming part of these engaging discussions.
Bold Women Collective
Participation in The Bold Women Collective grew exponentially in 2024. Whether it was empowering discussions with successful women sharing their stories on the monthly virtual meetings or the in-person events at NeoCon and EDspaces, the Bold Women Collective continued to inspire and uplift women in the education industry. Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking events, this initiative supports female leaders and emerging professionals, fostering a community of mentorship and collaboration. The Bold Women Collective has been instrumental in advancing and amplifying the voices of women in education. An amazing offering of speakers who will share their inspiring stories is already taking shape for 2025, make sure the women professionals in your organization are taking advantage of the fastest growing and impactful EDmarket initiative. Thank you, KI, for the generous support of this program.
EDmarket Leadership Roundup
The EDmarket Leadership Roundup brought together the board and councils of EDmarket with the graduates of ECLPS, the 2023 and 2024 NexGen Rising stars, past chairs of the board and participants in the Chairman’s Roundtable for an invitation only celebration at EDspaces. Using a progressive dinner format, the event fostered an opportunity for seasoned veterans and aspiring leaders to share stories, explore emerging trends, and build meaningful connections. This year’s event featured an awards presentation highlighting successful volunteer leadership, the David McCurrach Leadership Award recipient (Angela Nelson, Stages Learning) and held the graduation ceremony for the ECLPS program while recognizing the NexGen Rising Stars. It was a very fun evening and a great kick off to EDspaces.
EDmarket Thought Leadership
Whether it was curating the over 60 AIA accredited educational sessions at EDspaces, publishing Essentials Magazine or hosting EDsmarts webinars, EDchats or podcasts, EDmarket is a leading voice in the industry to keep abreast of trends, challenges and innovations within the industry. Visit the Content Hub on our website or explore the Essentials archive to see what you may have missed and make sure that your company roster is up to date so that everyone on your staff is getting the information they need to be successful.
edgallery
Launched in 2024, the edgallery is dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations in the education market celebrating innovation and creativity. It features a curated selection of groundbreaking products and projects designed to enhance learning experiences. edgallery serves as a hub for educators, administrators, and learners looking to stay at the forefront of educational advancements. Products and projects are not only featured year-round in the web site but also celebrated in Essentials Magazine and through social media platforms.
EDmarket Advocacy Initiatives
EDmarket’s advocacy efforts gained momentum in 2024, focusing on policies that impact education funding, infrastructure, and access to resources. Through strategic partnerships with the BASIC Coalition and the National Association of Wholesale Distributors, EDmarket has:
- Amplified the voice of the education community.
- Advocated for increased funding for safe and modern learning environments.
- Promoted equitable access to high-quality educational resources nationwide.
- Looked out to protect member businesses from unnecessary and problematic legislation or regulations.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, EDmarket remains committed to driving innovation and collaboration in the education industry. With an ambitious lineup of programs and initiatives on the horizon, we are excited to continue empowering our members and fostering meaningful change. We thank our members, partners, and supporters for making 2024 a remarkable year. Here’s to a bright future for education!