Edufuturists #324 Why Community Isn't Just Events with EJ Quinn

In this week's podcast episode, we are joined by EJ Quinn, Head of Community Development @ Hyve Group who organise Bett UK. We dig into the importance of community in education, the challenges educators face, and how Bett UK is evolving to meet the needs of its attendees. We discuss the significance of collaboration, the role of technology, and the necessity of preparation for educators attending the show. EJ shares insights on accessibility issues, the importance of creating tangible resources, and the future of education beyond just technology. The conversation wraps up with quick-fire questions that highlight the realities and myths in the education sector. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:57 EJ Quinn's Role and Passion for Community 02:47 Building Community at Bett 06:24 Collaboration with Educational Associations 07:45 Keeping Bett Current and Relevant 11:36 The Importance of Accessibility for Educators 14:32 Challenges for Educators Attending Events 17:09 Reaching Out to the Wider Community 20:24 Collaborative Opportunities in Education Events 27:23 Planning for Bett 2026: Tips and Insights 28:24 The Future of Education: Beyond Technology 32:46 Quickfire Questions Grab your free educator ticket for Bett UK 2026: https://uk.bettshow.com/visitor-registration?utm_source=media_partner_edufuturists&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=partner_marketing Connect with EJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ej-quinn-3a958013/ Thanks so much for joining us again for another episode - we appreciate you. Ben & Steve x Championing those who are making the future of education a reality. Follow us on X: https://www.twitter.com/edufuturists Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edufuturists/ Join the WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IWXj4PvbvvI5frLGVUj6ih?mode=ems_copy_h_c Check out all about Edufuturists at https://www.edufuturists.com Want to sponsor future episodes or get involved with the Edufuturists work? Get in touch: info@edufuturists.com Join us at one of the stops on our UK Roadshow: edufuturists.com/roadshow Get your tickets for Edufuturists Uprising 2026 at: edufuturists.com/uprising26 CONTENT PARTNER AD: This episode is powered by Integrated Systems Europe, the must-attend event for educators, technologists, and institutional leaders seeking to shape the future of learning. From 3–6 February 2026, ISE returns to Barcelona, uniting the brightest minds and boldest ideas in the edtech industry. Join us and Push Beyond the possibilities that are transforming the classroom of tomorrow. Don’t just keep up with the industry - get ahead of it. Check out the website to find out more and join us for ISE 2026 in Push Beyond. Use our special code 'edufuturists' for free registration at https://www.iseurope.org/welcome/unified-communications-education-tech?actioncode=edufuturists&utm_source=cd_Edufuturists&utm_medium=Hompage&utm_content=banner&utm_campaign=ise2026