Why Collaboration, Community and Purposeful EdTech Matter More Than Ever
Our Biggest Ever M.E.E.T. EdTech Conference – and what a day it was!
We’re still buzzing from our biggest ever M.E.E.T. EdTech Conference – and honestly, it couldn’t have gone better!
Bringing together educators, innovators and industry experts from across the region (and beyond), the day was all about one thing: helping schools make sense of technology and use it in ways that genuinely improve teaching and learning.
And yes… we were absolutely thrilled to welcome our great friend Baasit Siddiqui along for the day – who, we’re very happy to say, loved it!
Real Conversations, Real Challenges, Real Solutions
One of the things we’re most proud of is the atmosphere we created. This wasn’t a ‘sit and listen’ kind of conference. It was open, honest and full of meaningful conversations about what’s really happening in schools right now – from workload pressures to the fast-moving world of AI.
Baasit summed it up better than we could:
“I absolutely loved the event… it created space for real, candid conversations about challenges, but in a really solution-focused way.”
That balance is exactly what the L.E.A.D. IT M.E.E.T. is all about.
Inspiring speakers who made us think
We were lucky enough to host some truly inspiring voices throughout the day. Including Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith, whose keynote challenged us all to think differently about the role of technology in education – not as the driver, but as something that should support great teaching.
Her message around ‘PedTech’ really resonated:
“It’s not about more tech – it’s about better teaching, enhanced by the right tech.”
We also heard from Jenny Parkinson-Mills, who brought a brilliantly practical perspective on AI – especially around using it safely and responsibly in schools. And our own team got involved too, with Andrew Flowerdew sharing a reminder that every big tech shift (yes, even calculators!) has faced scepticism at first.
Exploring AI, Safeguarding & the Future
AI was a huge topic throughout the day – and rightly so. But what stood out most wasn’t just the excitement… it was the thoughtfulness. Together, we explored:
- How AI can support teachers without replacing them
- Why safeguarding must be at the centre of any AI strategy
- How schools can introduce these tools in a controlled, meaningful way
As Baasit reflected, it was a chance to step back from the hype and think more strategically – something every school needs right now.
Hands-on Tech that brought learning to life
Of course, it wouldn’t be M.E.E.T. without some seriously exciting tech to explore. From VR headsets and 360° classroom recording to interactive PE tools and 3D printing, there was plenty to get stuck into. A big highlight? Watching live demos (and a few ‘wow’ moments!) as we showed how these tools can:
- Reduce admin time
- Increase engagement
- Bring lessons to life in completely new ways
Why M.E.E.T. is so important to the LEAD IT calendar
For us, this is what it’s all about. At L.E.A.D. IT Services, we care deeply about helping schools give young people the best possible start. Technology plays a huge role in that – but only when it’s used in the right way. Events like M.E.E.T. are about:
- Sharing ideas
- Learning from each other
- Tackling challenges together
And most importantly, keeping the focus where it belongs; on improving outcomes for students.
Thank You – and see you at next year’s M.E.E.T. event!
To everyone who joined us – thank you. Whether you came for the CPD, the conversations, or just to explore what’s next in education technology, we hope you left feeling inspired (and maybe with a few new ideas to take back to school). We’re already thinking about next year… and trust us, it’s going to be even bigger and better!
