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Read a review
of the Special Needs Fringe 2005
The Special Needs Fringe focuses on computers and special needs, a field increasingly called "Assistive Technology". Running next door to the gigantic BETT show, it offers a more intimate and specialist atmosphere and (particularly important) free refreshments and somewhere to sit and chat with colleagues.
Fringe Events
The Fringe has a whole range of seminar
sessions where you can find out more about using technology to support learners
with special needs.
Dates: 12th - 14th January 2005
Venue: Olympia Hilton, Kensington, London
Opening times: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Two minutes away is all of the bustle of the more mainstream BETT 2005 where 25,000 teachers will visit 500 exhibition stands. The Special Needs Fringe has less than 30 stands, but includes the big names in Special Needs and the more specialist Assistive Technology companies. As part of this exhibition each of these companies presents their own seminars in the conference rooms of the Olympia Hilton.
The exhibition is deliberately planned to give busy special educators the chance to visit both shows. The Fringe opens at 9:30am, half an hour before BETT, so that you can enjoy a free cup of tea and a chat rather than queue for BETT. The Fringe closes at five, an hour before BETT, so that teachers can focus on BETT at its quietest time. Unlike BETT, the Fringe is not open on Saturday and next year (2005) runs from Wednesday 12th to Friday 14th of January.
This is the fifth year of the Special Needs Fringe. For the first two years Inclusive Technology had the excellent facilities of the Olympia Hilton to themselves. This was a huge success and other exhibitors asked to join them just as the hotel's ballroom complex became available. This wonderful exhibition space filled quickly, was extended, and filled again. The event was a huge success and has continued to go from strength to strength.
EMAP, the organizers of BETT, may not have immediately taken to the idea of two exhibitions. But special educators will certainly benefit from the competition, and from access to more specialist exhibitors who would not have exhibited at BETT. If special needs teachers are getting more from their day, both exhibitions will draw strength and thrive.
If you can't find the information you are looking for about the Special Needs Fringe 2005 please call 0800 975 6090 or 01457 819790. If you are an exhibitor please see our information for exhibitors page.