The Best Booths and Brands of FETC 2024

FETC 2024 in Orlando, Florida, was an interesting conference on AI, teacher tools, student engagement, and gamifying education.

I’ve been on both sides of booths at an education conference, running booths while working in EdTech and attending FETC 2024 as an influencer.

I admire the effort each company puts into its booth. Some brands go above and beyond to draw you in and teach you about their products.

The highlight of my trip was creating this fun TikTok with vendors from the exhibit hall; give it a watch and a like when you have a moment!

Here are the best booths and brands I enjoyed exploring at FETC 2024. Our podcast and blog will soon have more information on these products!

Booths That Best Pulled Us In

Kami

As far as team spirit goes, there was no competition. The Kami team was in matching gear and even sported branded earrings. Walking into the booth, I felt good energy radiating off each team member. They were friendly, informative, excited, and spunky. And they had a claw machine with a line every time I passed the booth - smart thinking. I had never heard of Kami before FETC, but you better believe they are on my radar now.

Smart & Active

With four different interactive activities, walking by this booth without playing along was impossible. First, my marketing manager and I had to play a game of virtual air hockey on their smart screen. Then, we played a rather intense math game on their interactive floor projection. Finally, the Smart & Active dinosaur-themed interactive sandbox was a unique piece any student would enjoy digging into.

Renaissance

The most memorable booth goes to Renaissance Learning with their Nearpod and Flocabulary teams. Walking up to their booth, a large wooden tree decorated with apples caught my attention. Then, I noticed the apples featured the ideas of different educators on what they love about students.

The team showed their welcoming spirit by excitedly giving me a booth tour, introducing me to the team, and creating the sweetest friendship bracelets as a giveaway. (see TikTok)

BenQ

Nothing is more inviting than freshly baked cookies. What is a more mouth-watering and unique idea for an exhibition booth than a small oven popping out aromatic chocolate cookies?

The exciting features of this smart board option kept us at the booth, including unique cutting, pasting, and drawing options. Students can even use this 明基 board remotely on devices inside and outside the classroom.

Oldie but Goodie Brands That Surprised Us

Seesaw

This tool is not just the parent-teacher communication app it used to be. Seesaw Learning now offers a library of teacher support tools and better insights and analytics to inform instruction. Any teacher can log in for free lessons, so if you’re interested in exploring the new and improved Seesaw, I highly recommend signing up.

BrainPOP

I used BrainPOP a decade ago when I was still in the classroom - it was the first EdTech tool I ever used with my students. We all loved the original videos of Moby and Tim, but the new platform now boasts a variety of assignments and tools to develop and enhance lessons.

Best Up and Coming Brand

Hilight

Because I am passionate about helping teachers love their careers again, this booth instantly struck me with its potential. This web-based app is meant to celebrate everyone involved in helping the school run smoothly, whether teachers, administrators, or janitorial staff.

We will have a lot more on Hilight very soon.

The Product That Made Us Stop in Our Tracks

United Robotics Group

Have you ever seen a robot you wanted to pick up and cradle like a baby? Or one that you wanted to hug and tell all your problems to? I hadn’t until I came across United Robotics Group, Americas Inc.

Their unique robots for learning coding from elementary to college were fascinating and fun to interact with. However, Pepper, the teacher's assistant, stole the show with her soft eyes and bountiful replies.

The Booth That Gave Us Faith in AI

SchoolAI

We saw many new AI tools and programs adapted to include AI. While I love AI for certain things and have my inhibitions about it for other things, the one tool that made AI seem less intimidating and more practical was SchoolAI .

This program is a game changer for supporting students with assignments and preventing frustration or burnout. Plus, you have so much control over what your students can and what the AI can do.

The Product We Wanted to Throw Across the Room

QBall

What if you could have a ball with a microphone that could respond and sound like Abraham Lincoln? I would want to throw it around the room with my students daily. One of the ways I love AI is when it’s used with students to promote social interaction and creativity. These are not common qualities with AI-focused tools; however, QBall nailed it with this fun, engaging classroom tool.

Highlight of the Exhibit Hall

The highlight of my trip and the exhibit hall was meeting two EdTech School graduates representing their companies at the conference. I am so incredibly proud of Marjorie Stahl and Alyssa Kovatchis .

I want to thank FETC for hosting me at the conference. I had an incredible time connecting with the humans behind EdTech. I look forward to seeing you next year.