President ’ s Perspective
An Association on the MOVE !
BY JIM MCGARRY EDmarket President & CEO
WOW , there is a lot going on with your association .
Let ’ s start with EDchannels . EDmarket just launched a successful EDtech distribution conference last month in Boston . After publishing EDtech Distribution in an Evolving Marketplace last January , we assembled a “ who ’ s who ” of the edtech world as an Advisory Board to help us put together the only industry conference totally focused on edtech go-to-market strategies . Co-located with the LearnLaunch Investor Summit in Boston , EDchannels brought together over 150 edtech companies , publishers , developers , investors and channel partners to take a deep dive into the trends and solutions emerging in the edtech marketplace . This was a great start and we plan on continuing this partnership next year to continue to be a resource and connector to the important market segment .
And speaking of events , EDspaces is just weeks away . As of publication we have a total of 186 companies exhibiting in 553 booths . This represents an increase of 23 percent from our successful event in Cincinnati last year with 49 companies exhibiting for the first time . We have internationally-recognized keynote speakers , Sir Ken Robinson and Jaime Casap , Google ’ s Education Evangelist . There are over 40 AIA , IDCEC , and USGBC accredited education sessions . New this year is a special preconference Educational Distribution Symposium sponsored by the EDmarket Distribution Council . There are tours of six different educational facilities and EDfest which will be held at the College Basketball Experience . All indications point toward record attendance and another fantastic EDspaces event !
EDmarket is launching EDmarketplace as a virtual meeting space for the industry . This new member tool will continue the dialog all year long with suppliers creating interactive web showrooms in a publication that will be emailed to the distribution channel allowing them to see new products . The most exciting feature is that distributors can request to set up a video meeting on a schedule that works for both parties . The EDmarketplace increases channel efficiency by eliminating travel expenses , streamlining business processes , creating relationships and expanding sales . Suppliers are signing up and the inaugural issue will be out soon .
To complement EDmarketplace and give our supplemental product dealers and suppliers an opportunity for faceto-face selling and fellowship , EDmarket is working in partnership with the Toy Association for a member home base during Toy Fair . Not only will this provide a meeting spot for EDmarket members , but we are exploring expanded education and networking opportunities . Educational toy suppliers and resellers continue to be a huge part of our membership and this partnership with Toy Fair will expand our member ’ s access to the latest and greatest new ideas .
We all know that data is king , and marketing today is dependent on it . EDmarket is partnering with the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association ( BIFMA ) to begin to collect education furniture and equipment shipment data so that the industry has a reliable source of information for strategic and business planning . This data will give us credibility as we discuss industry trends and give participants better day to accomplish their goals .
Lastly , we are launching the Chairman ’ s Roundtable . This is an opportunity for senior executives to gather and discuss the critical issues in the market under the antitrust protection of EDmarket . Keep an eye out for information about how to participate in this must-attend event and roundtable for the industry thought leaders .
EDmarket is committed to connecting organizations that want to succeed in the Education Marketplace . The Executive Committee recently rolled out a new , simplified membership structure that allows EDmarket to serve the whole industry better and creates a more sustainable future . Dues invoices will be hitting shortly and your attention is greatly appreciated so we can continue to bring you these and other innovative programs . n
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