EdTech Exchange, in partnership with Wonde, is delighted to present a new regional brunch event hosted at Shireland Collegiate Academy. 

The ever-popular EdTech Exchange community is once more hosting a brunch event to bring the EdTech community together - this time at Shireland Collegiate Academy, renowned for its innovative use of technology, dynamic curriculum design, and progressive learning. All food, drink and entry into a prize draw is included in your ticket. Plus one lucky attendee will win a hamper. 

The networking event will start with a keynote presentation from experienced EdTech expert Andrew Goff, Founding Director, Interactive Opportunities Ltd.  We will also be joined by senior leaders from schools/MATs in the region to hear their thoughts on current issues and key problems that applications can assist with.  

Agenda 

• 10.00-10:15 Registration and Networking - morning refreshments and selection of pastries
• 10.15-10:20 Introduction and Housekeeping - Dave Smith, Head of Content, BESA - Welcome from EdTech Exchange Lead sponsor ‘Wonde’ 
• 10.20-10:45 Keynote: Co-creating value between schools and business - to achieve business growth - Andrew Goff, Founding Director, Interactive Opportunities Ltd. 
• 10.45-11.15 Networking Time
• 11.15-12.00 School leader panel discussion - chaired by Dave Smith, Head of Content, BESA, with panelists Sir Mark Grundy, CEO, Shireland Collegiate Academies Trust, Hasnain Panjwani, Chief Strategic Officer, Shireland Collegiate Academies Trust, Aled Ballard, Chief Operating Officer, Shireland Collegiate Academies Trust, Kris Griffin, Director of Marketing, Shireland Collegiate Academies Trust
• 12.00-13.00 Networking & Brunch - selection of buffet items (gf and vegetarian options)

The EdTech community houses a wealth of talent and original thinkers eager to explore and potentially create new opportunities and ways of growing, keen to discuss current challenges, and eager to work out solutions and learn from each other. With such a diverse market, BESA recognises the importance of bringing together colleagues with common interests to share ideas, and information and maintain a tight focus on the marketplace. Connect with colleagues and listen to speakers from schools and MATs, as we discuss ideas and share hints and tips with fellow EdTech founders and leaders.  

“Cocreating value between schools and business - to achieve business growth” 

Keynote Speaker - Andrew Goff, Founding Director, Interactive Opportunities Ltd 

Andrew will share his experience in building strong award winning relationships between schools and education suppliers in the UK and internationally in the UAE and India. He will highlight how there are opportunities for education suppliers to show their personalities, their purpose and ultimately add to their business growth through increased brand awareness and marketing. 

Andrew’s career in the sector has been built over 30 years working in education; over 10 years as a teacher in 6 schools and c.20 years leading educational businesses and initiatives, most notably for Sony PlayStation, Oxford University Press and Toshiba. Andrew is passionate about the development of opportunities for young people and works closely with partner schools to continuously innovate, evolve and cocreate benefits for all. 

Beyond work he can be founding walking his ever faithful sprocker spaniel Molly in the Shropshire hills, lending a hand on his daughter’s farm and more recently supporting School Media Teams and encouraging young talent from local schools to have a go at recording videos and podcasts with local employers.

Sir Mark Grundy, Chief Executive Officer, Shireland Collegiate Academies Trust.  

Sir Mark Grundy has been the CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust since 2007, after previously serving as the Principal of Shireland Collegiate Academy, the Trust’s founding school. He has also held the position of Executive Principal at both Shireland Collegiate Academy and George Salter Collegiate Academy. 

Sir Mark has had a distinguished career in education and has been recognised with several prestigious awards and achievements. His career has included serving as an advisor to the West Midlands Regional Schools Commissioner from 2012 to 2022, and being knighted in 2006 for his contributions to education and technology. He was also awarded an honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in 2022. Sir Mark gained his Masters qualification from Loughborough University. 

Sir Mark was inspired to become an educator because he wants students to have the best possible educational experiences. He strives to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for students, staff and families by valuing everyone and pushing for the very best – he believes that nothing less than outstanding is acceptable. 

When he’s not at the Trust, Sir Mark enjoys collecting memorabilia and watching sports. 

Images from the recent EdTech Exchange Networking Brunch in Yorkshire:

BESA News Article: BESA’s EdTech Exchange – Invitation only lunch in Farringdon, London, May 28, 2023

Sponsored by Wonde

Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." – Amy Poehler 

If you're interested in sponsoring opportunities with this or any other BESA event, please contact eventsteam@besa.org.uk

About BESA.

BESA will not be offering refunds for this event. It is possible to transfer your ticket to a colleague at any point from the time of the booking to 7 working days before the event.