Bett 2026: 'A great event where it's all about the people'

Once again, January saw me visiting the Bett Show. It is always a busy event with so very much to see, especially in terms of the large number of vendor stands on the tradeshow floor. And then there are all the presentations and talks occurring in locations all around the show.

But the main thing about Bett, the thing which makes me keep coming back, is the people. It is the teachers, the school leaders, the IT professionals, and vendor staff, it is all the people who gather in London for three days of discussion as to how technology can be used within schools and used to support our students.

As we talk about artificial intelligence and its potential – and as vendors start to show off robotics technology for use in classrooms, alongside the usual interactive displays – we need to keep reminding ourselves that education is about people. It's about teachers, students, parents and more. We need to keep the human front and centre. It therefore worries me that I heard many discussions of “efficiency” and how AI can help us to become more efficient at Bett, as if efficiency is the thing we should be striving for in our schools. For me, it is connection which we should be striving for; connection and maybe adaptability.

The event's strapline, “learning without limits”, is easy to believe in. The question for me, however, becomes: what are the limits our current education system puts on learners and learning, and do we really need these limits? I think, before we move forward, we must first assess our current systems and processes.   

So if I was summing up Bett in a few words it would be: a great event where it's all about the people; the people who can bring the human into greater focus in our schools – but first we need to reassess our current education system.

Gary Henderson 


Bett 2026 was, once again, an energising and inspiring three days that reminded me why this event matters so much to our community. From early breakfast meetings to evening dinners, networking, and drinks, the pace was full, and the conversations never stopped.

Bett continues to be a wonderful space to discover new thinking, explore updated products, reconnect with valued edtech partners, and meet new connections who are shaping the future of education. Celebrating the Bett Award winners was also a real highlight, recognising the innovation and dedication that continues to move our sector forward. 

I had the privilege of hosting the Operational Transformation Theatre at the Bett Show, and I was genuinely delighted by the response. Every session reached full capacity, with engaged audiences eager to discuss digital strategy, responsible AI integration, and sustainable change. The conversations were thoughtful, practical, and relevant. It was encouraging to see such strong interest in operational excellence and meaningful transformation across schools and organisations.

I was also pleased to join an interview with the EdTech Podcast, where we explored emerging trends and reflected on the opportunities ahead, and to take part in a session with Sprint AI, focusing on how AI can be integrated in ways that truly support teaching and learning. These discussions reinforced a shared belief that learning today is expansive, connected, and full of possibility.

Bett 2026 truly reflected the spirit of #LearningWithoutLimits. I leave feeling grateful for the conversations, encouraged by the innovation I saw, and excited about the collaborations that will continue well beyond these three busy days.

Dr Neelam Parmar