FETC Conference: Don't Miss It!

Allow me to share some exciting news on the conference front! Below is a press-release about the Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC) which will be held in Orlando, Florida next week. Personally, I'm always excited to learn new things, see what's happening outside of my circle, and to meet up with some great friends (even those I've not yet met). I'll be there and I hope you will, too! Follow  on Twitter for updates.

And, if you didn't already know, we throw a pretty nifty conference ourselves here in Palm Beach County, so if you find yourself around these parts of the woods on February 19, 2013, I hope you'll join us . 

The National Ed-Tech Conference for 2013 Emergent technologies to be introduced, cutting-edge programs to be announced

Orlando, Fla. – Thousands of educators from across the country will have an opportunity to explore emergent technologies, cutting-edge programs and a highly innovative ed-tech marketplace when FETC 2013, one of the largest conferences in the nation devoted entirely to education technology, opens next week. FETC 2013 is co-located with both the Learning Environments conference and expo event and the FDLA (Florida Distance Learning Association) Annual Meeting.

FETC’s 33rd annual conference takes place at the South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 28 through Jan. 31, and features dynamic speakers, exhibitors and events designed to provide PK-12 educators and administrators with an unparalleled opportunity to explore different technologies across the curriculum while increasing their familiarity with the latest devices, hardware, software and successful strategies on student technology integration.

FETC’s distinguished keynote speakers include Dr. David Sousa, award-winning educational neuroscience consultant and author of fifteen books. He will discuss some remarkable findings from brain research about how we learn and suggests ways that administrators and educators can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. Another keynote, Matt Kaplan, is the author of . He has been one of the voices behind science and technology stories in The Economist for years. His articles frequently wind up in National Geographic, Scientific American, Nature and New Scientist. Additionally, FETC is proud to have Katie Salen, Executive Director for the Institute of Play Design, present a games and learning keynote. She will explore a set of guiding design principles for the creation of connected, game-like learning experiences that are socially-situated, challenge-based and student-centered.

New for 2013, FETC is introducing one-hour poster sessions intended to highlight innovative schools and districts who have implemented exemplary technology integration projects with success. An FETC Video Contest has also been added to the event where FETC has partnered with to promote the teacher strand of the “Mountains of Creativity� contest and make quality digital media happen. And a special event movie preview: Look! I’m Learning, advocacy film about a digital revolution led by kids in Michigan.

FETC is known for being one of the most comprehensive and progressive ed-tech conferences in the country. This year’s schedule will feature more than 200 concurrent sessions in 25+ focus and curriculum areas targeting the hottest topics  ̶  BYOD and mobile learning, 1:1 implementation, current and emerging technologies, digital content, innovative learning technologies, distance learning, integrated curriculum, infrastructure, Web 2.0 resources and social networking. In addition, educators have the opportunity to earn up to 32 hours of CEUs by attending conference sessions and any of the 125+ ticketed professional development workshops for in-depth exploration and skill development offered this year.

The 2013 Exhibit Hall, a dedicated educators’ marketplace, will enable attendees to see and purchase the latest innovations in classroom technology from more than 500 companies, including industry powerhouses like Epson, Edmodo, Google Chromebooks, Insight Systems Exchange and Lenovo. This hands-on, interactive environment is a key component of the FETC experience, allowing conference attendees to access the cutting-edge technologies transforming today’s education landscape. 

Register for FETC 2013 and get more information, including a detailed list of sessions, presenters, exhibitors, ticketed workshops and registration details by visiting .

FETC, a division of the 1105 Media Education Group, is owned by 1105 Media, Inc., a leading provider of integrated information and media in targeted business-to-business markets.

About 1105 Media

1105 Media, Inc. provides integrated business-to-business information and media to qualified professionals in the public, academic and private sectors focusing on technology, products, policy, regulation and news delivered through an assortment of media, including print and online magazines, journals and newsletters; seminars, conferences, executive summits and trade shows; training and courseware; and web-based services. The markets served by these offerings include Government, Education, Network & Enterprise Computing, Business Intelligence, Office Equipment, Industrial Health & Safety, Compliance, Security, Environmental Protection, Water & Wastewater and Home Medical Equipment.

1105 Media is based in Chatsworth, Calif., with primary offices throughout the U.S. and more than 350 employees. The company was formed in April 2006 by Nautic Partners LLC, Alta Communications and President and CEO Neal Vitale.

Are you a blogger?

Note:  Media representatives (bloggers) interested in attending and covering FETC 2013 can register online at or on-site in room S220D of the Orange County Convention Center.  FETC 2013 will feature an on-site Press Room where registered media representatives can schedule interviews, work stories or just relax. The FETC Press Room will be open Tuesday, Jan. 29 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.); Wednesday, Jan. 30 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.); and Thursday, Jan. 31 (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Media representatives are required to register and will not be admitted into any FETC venues without a badge issued by FETC press staff. There is no cost for media registration.