Essentials Magazine Essentials Winter 2019 | Page 16

Facilities Tampa, FL November 7-9, 2018 EDspaces 2018 Diving into the FUTURE of Educational Facilities A virtual who’s who of key decision mak- ers at schools, colleges, and universities in- volved in the design, build, management or renovation of an educational facility converged at EDspaces 2018, November 7-9 in Tampa, FL. Nearly 2,300 education leaders (architects, distributors, Pre K-12, colleges, universities, independent man- ufacturer representatives, exhibitors, and corporations) gathered to explore challeng- es, strengthen skills, and build networks. Partnerships Fuel Growth EDmarket once again partnered with the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education, who holds their Annual Con- ference at EDspaces. Each year we tap into the expertise of both national and re- gional organizations that can help develop content and assist in promoting the event among their constituents. New partners 16 essentials | winter 2019 this year included the American Society of Interior Designers, the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools, the Florida Association of Cur- riculum Directors, and the Independent Office Products and Furniture Dealers Association. The 2018 event featured 189 exhibi- tors in 617 10’ x 10’ booth spaces, growth of 11 percent over the prior year. In at- tendance were 567 dealers, from 190 companies; 205 architects and planners from 130 firms; and 443 school and col- lege personnel from 238 institutions, and 39 consultants and associations from 29 organizations. The scholarship program, now in its 8th year, awarded travel grants to over 100 purchasing decision makers from schools, districts and colleges. This program con- tinues to deliver buyers with nearly $13 billion in current construction projects to the exhibit floor ensuring face time with schools and colleges in need of high-qual- ity furniture and equipment. The contin- ued growth in attendance and exhibits has earned EDspaces multiple awards from Tradeshow Executive’s Fastest 50 for the second time in recent years. Education: #1 Reason to Attend Two pre-conference events, the Safety & Security Learning Lab and the Educa- tional Distribution Symposium on Tues- day kicked off the event, while visionary keynoters inspired the audience each full conference day with messages on the fu- ture of learning. EDspaces is the only event featuring innovative classroom designs, inspiring attendees and exemplifying the future of educational facilities. Each is devel-