Marie-Line Antoine, e-learning consultant, Nottingham
Nottingham's e-learning centres have the funding and time to try out new kit and so Bett is a must. My visits always take in certain stands such as Adobe and Apple as they usually have new things on show. The interactive Smart Table from Smarttech [stand B50/G80 at Bett 2010] was a 2009 highlight for me. Exhibitors were being less lavish with freebies but there were some great giveaways including memory sticks and ubiquitous pens. Tip: be discriminating about having your badge scanned; if not, you can get inundated with e-mails.
David Baugh, independent ICT adviser and author of Digital Creator
I have been to Bett for the last 12 years, so is this going to be an unlucky 13th? I'm sure not. So - my top tips: wear comfortable thick-soled shoes; and don't make arrangements to meet people but remain open for chance encounters with old friends. Just such spontaneity led me to meet a true legend of education technology equipment, Mr Coomber [founder of Coomber Electronic Equipment Limited], in a Bett refreshment queue, a really nice man with whom I have met up a couple of times since. Bett is all about people.
Christopher Llewellyn, facilitator, Rafi.ki
Rafi.ki is dedicated to developing online learning communities using a mix of videoconferencing, instant-messaging and email. As an organisation so involved in [the] student voice, it is always interesting to visit those exhibitors with children using their products. If I have one Bett survival tip it's bring your own food and drink. The prices of such things are very high at
Olympia. I offered to buy a round of three coffees and the total was eye-watering.
Lucia Manzitti, school partnership manager, Artis education
Artis is a social business focused on creative learning in schools. The main reason for me going to Bett 2009 was to look at the technology available in schools in order understand better ways of supporting children's learning by integrating these technologies [in]to our performing arts sessions. My advice: go with an itinerary in mind while leaving the time to do a bit of spontaneous exploration. For me the best area last year was devoted to learner voice - it was a good place to make links with teachers and pupils.
Mina Patel, curriculum consultant, London Grid for Learning Trust
At Bett 2009 I remember being intrigued by the antennae sticking out from the corner of the Atomwide stand [stand K46 at Bett 2010]. I learnt that it was one of over 100 weather stations all over the UK based at different schools streaming live data about rainfall, wind direction and solar radiation. I was amazed to see how easy it was to interpret live data in both table and graph format at a click of a button. Tip: treat the Bett show like you would Christmas Eve shopping, it's going to be busy and tiring.
