How to Get the Most From FETC, TCEA, and Other EdTech Conferences

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January is an exciting time in the EdTech world! Schools are preparing for state testing and starting to research their next deployment!  

In perfect conjunction with this planning and research season, two of the top EdTech conferences are right around the corner:

Whether you’re a seasoned conference pro or a newbie to the scene, it’s easy to get overwhelmed attending an EdTech conference. To help you prepare for your conferences this season, we put together a list of the tips for attending FETC, TECA, or any other EdTech conference: 

  1. Explore the Conference Website 
  2. Pick your sessions
  3. Scope out your must-visit expo booths
  4. Be prepared
  5. Stay organized 

1. Explore the Conference Website

The best place to start once you know you are attending an EdTech conference is to check the website- they are treasure chests for information. Here you will find information including the list of exhibiting companies, educational sessions, and special events. Even if you’ve been to EdTech conferences for years, it is always good to get your grounding before the convention center doors open.

Plus, conference websites are where you’ll start some of your conference research and planning. Visit for more info: 

FETC
TCEA

2. Pick Your Sessions

The amount of information and education you can absorb at an EdTech conference is astronomical. If you can think it- there is most likely a session for it! With only a few days to take advantage of the learning opportunities, it’s vital that you plan before you go.

For Tech Directors, administrators, and others deeply involved in the device procurement, deployment, and management process, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your skill set and knowledge. Sessions range from practical information about grants and funding, particular devices or OS management and deployment, to fun scavenger hunts, panels on esports, and tips on all the new, hot EdTech tools on the market. Below, we have put together a list of sessions Gumdrop recommends for you during this planning and research phase of your EdTech buying adventure.  

FETC Session Examples 

TCEA Session Topics

You can explore all sessions for FETC here and TCEA. 

3. Plan Out Your Must-Visit Expo Booths 

Walking into an expo hall at an EdTech conference is overwhelming. When your focus is on how to make your next deployment happen, it’s important to enter the hall with a plan. Expo halls at EdTech conferences provide such a great opportunity to get products in your hands, to make new connections, and to collect all the information possible to help you in your next steps.  

Here are a few ways to plan:

  • The FETC and TCEA websites provide you with maps and interactive resources to plan your exploration.
  • Both conferences offer free apps so you can have all the most important information right at your fingertips.  

Make sure you plan a stop at the Gumdrop booth at both shows to play a fun bag toss game for a chance to win fun prizes and be entered for a chance to win our exciting grand prizes!

Gumdrop Booth Numbers

FETC: 2042
TCEA: 834

Click the images below to be taken to expo hall maps:

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fetc 1

4. Be Prepared

Let’s face it, it’s going to be a super fun but crazy exhausting few days! It’s important to be prepared for anything that may come your way! Here are some ways to be prepared: 

  • Hydrate: Drinking water is key to keeping up your momentum!  
  • Eat: Figure out if you will be bringing lunch and snacks, checking out the concessions, or leaving the convention hall to grab something to eat. Your brain needs energy for all the learning and exploring you are doing.  
  • Dress Appropriately: Wear good shoes. You will be walking A LOT and you do not want to risk the misery of blisters. It’s also important to dress in layers for any temperature of room. Use a sturdy bag or backpack to store extra layers, devices, snacks, and more in! 
  • Bring Your Device: All sessions are BYOD (bring your own device) and it’s important to find the right balance of tech to bring with you during the day. We recommend the lighter the device, the better. You’ll be walking and moving all day. Stick to your phone or iPad (In a Gumdrop case 😉) and cloud-based apps to save information across devices. Make sure to bring charging cables and battery packs too! 

5. Stay Organized

stay organized

You will collect so many papers, flyers, goodies, and freebies that you’ll be swimming in riches. As you are researching for your future EdTech deployment, the more information you have, the better decisions you will make.  However, it’s also easy to get overwhelmed. Bring a folder with you to organize papers and keep them from getting lost on your travels back home, clean out your backpack so you have room to be organized the next day.

Processing the information in chunks day by day will help keep you from drowning. To score the best swag (and free drink tickets!) make sure to visit our Gumdrop booth at both events! 

If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to have a smooth and successful conference and will tick the EdTech planning and research boxes on your list.  

Gumdrop Can Help You Find the Missing Piece

As you explore and research device options, consider if your deployment is missing anything. Gumdrop cases might just be that item. Devices protected with Gumdrop cases reducing breakage rates by 35%. They’re trusted in more than 8,000 school districts. Swing by our booths to see why!

Visit us at FETC and TCEA to get your hands on the best Chromebook and iPad cases on the market, receive in-person support from our expert sales and customer care teams, and win some must-have prizes too!   

See you soon! 

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