Whether you sit on a school board or teach in a classroom, you’re guaranteed to benefit from attending education trade shows. These specialized fairs and conferences provide a one-stop opportunity to connect with leading manufacturers and suppliers of equipment for school facilities, or to take part in discussion forums conducted by nationally known speakers addressing the latest educational issues and even to build relationships with school administrators so you can pursue specific job opportunities.

Educational tradeshows assume different formats depending on their particular focus. An educational trade show guide will tell those interested in school equipment to expect the usual convention hall setting where attendees hop from booth to booth to get brochures and listening to promotional offers by equipments manufacturers. However, teachers attending an education trade show designed to support their professional development may find themselves in a lecture hall setting where representatives from educational materials publishers inform them about the latest lesson planning resources. Education trade show services offer special opportunities for educators at all levels.

1. Get education trade show information on school equipment for classrooms and other facilities.

2. Attend educational trade shows on current school issues.

3. Find education trade shows for specific job opportunities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Register for education trade shows presenting school equipment manufacturers and suppliers

Find out which manufacturers lead the industry in producing the most reliable equipment for the classroom, cafeteria, gymnasium and science lab.

I recommend: National School Supply and Equipment Association hosts an annual educational trade show that highlights leading manufacturers and distributors of education facilities equipment, such as computer desks and stations, audio equipment, high school lab equipment and athletic equipment for the school gymnasiums. Each year, the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference brings together manufacturers of education software, computer equipment and web-based learning equipment so school administrators and board members can stay in touch with the latest products in the educational field.

Find out which educational tradeshows help you learn more about education issues and resources

Education trade show information ranges from recent issues affecting schools to new methods for classroom teaching.

I recommend: The Pennsylvania School Boards Association holds an annual conference for school administrators. The conference presents speakers from all over the country who can address the most pressing issues facing public educators. The Texas Association of School Administrators hosts the annual Texas Assessment conference so that educational leaders can discover the latest information of testing and non-traditional forms of student assessment. Attend the trade expo sponsored each year by the District of Columbia’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education. The trade show highlights resources available to educators and parents seeking to improve teaching methods in their districts.

Seek education trade shows that help you build relationships and find job opportunities

State school associations sponsor job fairs and other education expositions so they can help new and experienced teachers locate job openings and get valuable professional advice.

I recommend: The Education Expo sponsored by Ashland University in Ohio attracts educators from all over the country who are seeking secondary school teaching positions. Sponsors of the event include Ashland University, Defiance College, Bluffton University and Ohio Northern University. Attend the Virginia Education Job Expo to find out about teaching careers in Virginia public schools. Even non-licensed teachers with no classroom experience may attend this trade show so they can get advice from teaching professionals and build relationships with school administrators in that state.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Event planners are happy to provide specific educational trade show advice, such as attendance rates and leading exhibitors.
• •  Create an education trade show directory to track the most helpful shows for your school district from year to year.