The 9th edition of the Global Education Supplies & Solutions (Dubai) and Global Education Forum (GEF) ended on a high note, with education stakeholders expressing a positive outlook on the future of the education sector in the region. Exhibitor numbers were up, highlighting once again the event's premier position as the leading education show in the Middle East, with more than 500 local and international suppliers showcasing the latest products and solutions geared for the education market – from teaching aids and cutting-edge technological gadgets, to innovative classroom designs and tools aimed at enriching the teaching and learning experience. "The show has seen incremental growth year-on-year since we first held the event nine years ago, reflecting the steady growth of the education market in the region. We are now preparing for our tenth edition, which is now another milestone for the brand, which only last year achieved a breakthrough when we had our first foray into the international market, with shows in Indonesia and Mexico," said Matt Thompson, Project Director, F&E Group, organizers of GESS and GEF. Among the highlights of the show include the visit of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as well as the participation of ministers of Education from around the GCC and Turkey, highlighting the importance of the show as a key contributor to the growth of the education sector, and the long-term development aspirations of the Gulf region in the years to come. LG's Poorvi Kalra, Marketing Manager/B2B Department, commended the organizers for a job well done, saying "we were able to achieve our goals. The show proved to be a good platform to showcase our education solutions to a very relevant audience." Promethean, which showcased the "Modern Classroom", a new approach to education technology which empowers teachers and students to transfer new knowledge, and extends learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries, also had a positive experience during the show. "We had a good launch for the ‘Modern Classroom' as we had the opportunity to speak with and gain insight from teachers, school leaders and ministers of education from around the Middle East," said Gillian Rhodes, Head of Field Marketing-International. Meanwhile, Future Learning Finland's Seppo Keranen commented, "I believe that GESS is very good for following local market trends, networking, getting new contacts and in general having discussions started as well as catching up with some existing connection. It's a very important platform at getting your brand message across. We are now ready to continue the conversations that started at GESS and to take them to the next level." Education professionals who attended the event benefitted from over 200 workshops and sessions led by local and international experts who shared their expertise on the latest trends in enhanced teaching methods, improved teacher performance as well as innovative techniques on helping students make the most out of their classroom experience. Being CPD certified, teachers who visited the show can use the certification they obtained for their professional enrichment aspirations. "GESS Dubai has provided a great opportunity to share best practice and to excite colleagues, as well as students. We are able to make global links in developing the curriculum to keep up with students and future proofing our education system," Malachy McGrogan, one of the speakers who shared his insights on creating a STEAM-powered curriculum. Organizers are now setting their sights on the three-day 10th edition of GESS and GEF on March 14-16, 2017, at the Dubai World Trade Centre ( "with hopefully new features and additions that will make more interesting and worthwhile for our exhibitors and guests," Thompson added.
