Last month, Olympia London played host to the largest-ever Childcare & Education Expo, drawing in a remarkable crowd of 3.5k educators, childcare professionals and industry leaders on March 1st and 2nd. This standout event solidified its reputation as the premier early education gathering for networking, learning and discovery.
Speaker Highlights
Attendees had the opportunity to meet the renowned children’s author and educator, Michael Rosen. Famous for his book ‘Going on a Bear Hunt,’ Rosen offered book signings, free workshops and a glimpse into the magic of poetry during his seminar.
The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme offered attendees invaluable opportunities to enhance their skills and stay ahead of the curve in early years education.
Speakers such as Sandi Phoenix, Preeti Patel, Alice Sharp, Dr. Mine Conkbayir, and Alistair Bryce-Clegg shared insights, with major players like Ofsted, Montessori Global Education and more providing insider knowledge to elevate the sector.
Reflecting on Success
What truly made this year’s expo stand out was its commitment to engaging with attendee needs and feedback. Organisers listened and evolved the event with exciting features like the Share & Support Hub, Wellbeing Workshops, Ofsted Advice Corner, and the ‘What’s My Why?’ Wall. Each addition addressed specific challenges within the sector, identified through the event’s integration within the industry.
The new Share and Support Hub provided a dedicated space for open discussions on sector challenges, fostering networking and idea-sharing. The ‘What’s My Why?’ Wall, a giant interactive art piece for visitors to share their reasons for working in early education, initiated a campaign to address the recruitment crisis in the sector. Keep your eyes peeled for more on this initiative in the future…
With a record number of exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products and resources, the expo buzzed with innovation and inspiration.
Looking Ahead
As the curtain falls on another successful expo, anticipation brews for the next chapter. Plans for the Childcare & Education Expo Midlands in September (27th – 28th 2024) are already underway, with organisers determined to surpass the London event’s success and continue to set the bar high for the industry.