Derby set to host major education conference and expo

Tech provider L.E.A.D. IT Services is backing a major school leadership conference and expo, which is set to be held in Derby next month.

The Pride Park-based firm has joined forces with MATNetworks, an influential multi academy trust and school leaders networking organisation, to bring the EdTech M.E.E.T. event to the city.

It is the largest combined education technology and academy trust leadership conference and expo in the East Midlands.

The free-to-attend combined conference and exhibition will see hundreds of education delegates converge on Reach Conference Centre on 18 March for a day of inspirational talks, hands-on learning and EdTech innovation previews.

Headline speakers include Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith – named in 2024 as one of the top five visionary women in education – and Gogglebox star and educator Baasit Siddiqui.

The event aims to provide valuable continuing professional development for academy trust senior leaders, business managers, IT leads and teachers.

They will be encouraged to share ideas, try out the latest EdTech tools and hear from key influencers on topics such as ‘digitally-infused’ learning, effective AI and VR in the classroom and developing robust cybersecurity strategies.

L.E.A.D. IT Services provides bespoke IT support and digital transformation strategies for schools and commercial SMEs across the UK, specialising in making technology an accessible and impactful tool for educators.

The company works with more than 250 schools and academy trusts around the UK, including many in Derby, and annually organises the M.E.E.T. EdTech event, which focuses on topics such as how technology can best be used in the classroom.

Lee Jepson, director at L.E.A.D. IT Services, said: “We’re excited to be launching an even bigger and better M.E.E.T. conference this year in partnership with MATNetworks.

“It makes sense for us to join forces in hosting an event aimed at giving leaders and educators the chance to learn from each other and our keynote speakers.

“Whether it’s a fun new tool to teach maths, some great time-saving tech or how to embed social inclusion throughout the school with Paul Hanmore from YouthShoots, there will be so much on offer to inspire our visitors.

“But this isn’t just about having a room full of stands. It’s about showing the Midlands education and commercial sectors just how much education technology matters.

“By bringing together the pedagogical side of tech with the strategic management side of MATNetworks, we are providing a holistic view of how innovation can drive forward a school – or an entire trust.”

To register to attend the event, click here.