BETT 2023

[KK20]

Anyone intending going? For the first time in a long time ive been given permission to go! Yep a term time jolly - overnight too. This does mean using the train from here up North though. Signed up for the ticket but ive no idea what this connect@bett is, things have changed a fair bit since last I went. If you have to book all your intended slots beforehand then I might not bother - I was hoping to wander around and see what there was on offer rather than trawl through prospective suppliers first then hope they have the product demo/information I want.

[CHiLL]

I'll be going for a day visit (not too difficult from Brum, so it can be done in a day). From what I understand, Connect@Bett is a way to organise meetings with specific people/suppliers, so you actually get to see them, rather than hang around their booth and hope they're free. I believe you are still able to wander round the stands as normal and speak with people if you find someone free though, like the old times.

[Net-Ctrl]

Connect@BETT is an add on to the main event - so you will still walk the exhibitions halls/stands as normal. The Connect@BETT gives attendees/exhibitors the opportunity to book in for particular slots. As an exhibitor, we had no option but to include it as part of the package this year.

 

It would be a good option to get more focused time with a supplier(s) - or want a demo of a particular feature/platform as it could be prepped beforehand.

 

I suppose it serves a purpose for people that want more structure to the day, or have limited time and want to make most of the time they have without having to wander the halls, whilst giving others the opportunity to do so on stands.

[elsiegee40]

Anyone intending going? For the first time in a long time ive been given permission to go! Yep a term time jolly - overnight too. This does mean using the train from here up North though. Signed up for the ticket but ive no idea what this connect@bett is, things have changed a fair bit since last I went. If you have to book all your intended slots beforehand then I might not bother - I was hoping to wander around and see what there was on offer rather than trawl through prospective suppliers first then hope they have the product demo/information I want.

 

We’ll have a “who’s going on what day” thread nearer the time so people can see who they are likely to meet. Of course, the EduGeek stand is the best place to meet up

[NorrthDown2]

I see the Prodigy exams are taking place again this year, but only in person exams, not remote:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bett-29th-31st-march-2023-microsoft-certifications-testing-lab-in-person-tickets-514271017457

[karldenton]

Lots of train strikes to content with too

[Rob_D]

FYI

Thread about train strikes and getting to BETT: http://www.edugeek.net/forums/bett-2023/231689-train-strikes-impact-whole-bett-2023-a-3.html#post1987676

Thread about Connect@BETT (mostly complaining about the volume of emails sent): http://www.edugeek.net/forums/bett-2023/231832-connect-bett-make-stop.html#post1987088

 

And if anyone wants some fun, the EdTech trail: https://edtech-trail.co.uk/

Edited March 7, 2023 by Rob_D

[Jcx500]

Anyone got there pass yet ?

 

Still waiting on mine

 

Cheers

[robjduk]

Is it me or does it seem complicated this year? I just want a ticket yet I'm hounded daily to "complete my profile" and sign up for meetings I have no interest in. I really just want a ticket, some free pens and to chat with some companies. Just send the bloody tickets out already.

[CHiLL]

It is complicated this year. I'm mostly ignoring all the extra stuff they want aside from doing the bare minimum. I'm not going with meetings in mind, I'm going for the same reasons I've been before. To wander round, see what's available and if I can chat with some people, then bonus. If not, I'll still have some ideas to bring back to school.

[Rob_D]

I don't think it is actually more complicated, they're just trying to make it look that way. I'm assuming we can still rock up on the day and wander around (if they ever send the bleeping tickets!) At the moment it's a tossup between that an National rail publishing completely unworkable train times for that week as to which will make me sack the whole thing off first.

 

Although the ticket thing might not be entirely in their control one of our techs is having similar annoyances with not being able to get comicon tickets in advance, so it might be an excel thing (I don't know how this works).

[KK20]

I completed a few connect@bett, now I get hounded to complete MORE connect@bett if it wasnt for me wanting tickets etc I would send the lot to the bin. I already have a rule setup but it is ridiculous how much spam BETT generates now.

[Net-Ctrl]

Is it me or does it seem complicated this year? I just want a ticket yet I'm hounded daily to "complete my profile" and sign up for meetings I have no interest in. I really just want a ticket, some free pens and to chat with some companies. Just send the bloody tickets out already.

 

I had an email today saying that badges will be sent to you 1 week before the event to save time queuing onsite. So seems will be the normal format where you can print on the day as well. The completed profile emails I would guess linked to 'Connect@BETT'

[SimonWindisch]

I queried all the meetings, and I got this back

 

Hi Simon,

 

The profile you have filled out is for Connect @ Bett, our new meetings programme. This indicated you would want to participate in meetings at Bett.

 

To clarify, Bett is slightly different this year as you can now only meet with solution providers via Connect @ Bett, there will be no off-the-cuff meetings on the show floor. So if you are looking to meet with anyone at all, I’d recommend participating and filling out your availability to reflect the amount of time you wish to be in meetings.

 

If you are sure you don’t wish to participate in Connect, I can remove your participation and switch your ticket type over.

...

Then I got this

 

Thanks for letting me know.

 

I have switched your ticket to a non-buyer one now and removed your participation in Connect.

 

Your ticket will be emailed over to you 2 weeks prior to the show.

Edited March 16, 2023 by SimonWindisch

[Net-Ctrl]

From an exhibitor's perspective that is a very odd response - the purpose of an exhibition is to have informal conversations on the show floor.

[KK20]

This has confused me even more. Ive filled in a few connect@bett as they were in the list. But there are people I will chat to that ARENT in the connect@bett (such as stone computers). The two types of tickets buyer and non buyer makes NO SENSE. I have no intention of signing on the dotted line at BETT, that simply isnt going to happen, so whilst I am going to BETT with the intention of seeking out people for a specific project, im certainly not going to purchase on the day.

[atcoates]

The whole thing is a mess. I've set myself for Friday and provided a few times slots, suppliers have emailed asking for meetings on days i'm not there. Add into that the constant emails etc!!!

[adamcreen]

I assume by non-buyer they basically mean child's ticket LOL. And at this stage I've had 10 companies want to connect (none of even the vaguest relevance), but we as punters don't get to choose who we'd like to talk to until next week. Look out for lots of email reminders about that stage too!

[elsiegee40]

 

To clarify, Bett is slightly different this year as you can now only meet with solution providers via Connect @ Bett, there will be no off-the-cuff meetings on the show floor. So if you are looking to meet with anyone at all, I’d recommend participating and filling out your availability to reflect the amount of time you wish to be in meetings.

 

 

I’d love to know how they’re going to police this! Surely the whole point of an exhibition like this is that you can act on a whim and chat to a supplier that you have just realised might meet your needs!

[RobFuller]

I can only assume there are extra fees for the solution providers to have access to these meeting opportunities via the Connect @ Bett system, bit hard to monetise ad-hoc meeting on the show floor ..........

[Brimstone]

It's just one huge spam fest....

[Dos_Box]

I can only assume there are extra fees for the solution providers to have access to these meeting opportunities via the Connect @ Bett system, bit hard to monetise ad-hoc meeting on the show floor ..........

 

AFAIUI Some exhibitors are getting 'free' meetings as part of their package and others can simply 'buy in' without the expense of having to have a stand.

From the companies and visitors I've talked too, almost everyone is finding it a little confusing and it remains to be seen just how effective Connect@BETT will be.

[VeryPC_Colin_M]

I can only assume there are extra fees for the solution providers to have access to these meeting opportunities via the Connect @ Bett system, bit hard to monetise ad-hoc meeting on the show floor ..........

 

This

[adamcreen]

it remains to be seen just how effective Connect@BETT will be

I'm expecting tumbleweed. Their promotional video showed a sea of eager participants, my wife thinks it will look more like a prison visiting room.

[Rob_D]

I'm expecting tumbleweed. Their promotional video showed a sea of eager participants, my wife thinks it will look more like a prison visiting room.

One of our techs has booked a connect meeting so I'll find out from him.