EDexpo 2016 Marks Education Market Association’s 100th Year

March 22, 2016 1876 Views Cook County Health & Hospital System, River Hospital, Southeast Arkansas Community Correction Center, Western U.S.

LAS VEGAS — Earlier this month in Las Vegas, the Education Market Association hosted EDexpo 2016 for dealers and suppliers in the educational products marketplace. The event marked the organization’s 100th anniversary, and showcased products from 187 different companies, an increase of 10 percent over the prior year.

For 2016, EDexpo was re-engineered by the member leadership as a standalone event focused on the dealer/supplier community. The popular connectED program returned with 169 dealers each matched to 30-plus exhibitors for meetings that further increased interaction on the show floor.

EDexpo was officially launched with the Top Products Luncheon, where first grade teacher Morgan Womick of Education Express presented on hot products for the coming school year. A new educational offering was the EDtalks session, moderated by Laura Gurley of the Teachers’ Lounge, featuring 12 EDmarket member dealers sharing their best ideas for improving sales and operations. Another new feature, the Show ‘N Tell Dinner, featured 20 vendors showcasing interactive games, crafts and DIY projects with dealers.

During a celebration marking the organization’s 100th year, Chair Laurie Uherek, president of Educate & Celebrate, remarked, “An organization that can stand the test of time for 100 years is truly one built on the hard work and dedication of the best and brightest of our industry. From its founding at a meeting during the AASA convention in 1916, through times of war and peace, recession and prosperity, the Education Market Association has been providing the events, opportunities, resources, and leadership that improve student outcomes by advancing the educational products marketplace.”

Uherek also presided over the organization’s annual meeting where members were recognized for years of membership and leadership service. Past Chair Tom Green presented Jeffrey “Drew” Henize with the John L. Spalding Memorial Scholarship, and Doug Jehle, CEO of Teacher Direct, was awarded the Education Market Association’s highest honor, the David McCurrach Distinguished Service Award for his past leadership and contributions to the association.

More than 100 new items were also on display in the New Product Showcase. The winners of the 5th Annual Eddy Awards for the best items in the New Product Showcase went to Bouncy Bands’ Bouncy Bands for Desk and Chairs. Second place went to Primary Concepts’ Hourglass Classroom Timer, and third place to Incredibly Interconnected Toys’ ZAZ.

Next year’s event will return to Las Vegas, March 15-17, 2017 at the Westgate Resort & Casino.