Orlando, Fla. – PK-12 Educators and administrators from across the country will have an opportunity to explore emergent technologies, cutting-edge programs and a highly innovative ed-tech marketplace when they convene today for FETC 2013 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Over the next four days, educators will have the opportunity to earn up to 32 hours of CEUs by attending conference sessions and any of the 125+ ticketed professional development workshops offering in-depth exploration and skill development. This year’s schedule features more than 200 concurrent sessions in 25+ focus and curriculum areas targeting the hottest topics  ̶  BYOD and mobile learning, 1:1 implementation, current and emerging technologies, digital content, innovative learning technologies, distance learning, integrated curriculum, infrastructure, Web 2.0 resources and social networking

 FETC’s 33rd annual conference features opening keynote session speaker Matt Kaplan, author of ScholarScribe.com. He has been one of the voices behind science and technology stories in The Economist for years. His articles frequently wind up in National Geographic, Scientific American, Nature and New Scientist. Kaplan will speak Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in Room SA1. FETC’s other distinguished keynote speakers include Dr. David Sousa, award-winning educational neuroscience consultant and Katie Salen, Executive Director for the Institute of Play Design.

New for 2013, FETC is introducing one-hour poster sessions intended to highlight innovative schools and districts who have implemented exemplary technology integration projects with success. Poster sessions will be held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in the Exhibit Hall. An FETC Video Contest has also been added to the event where FETC has partnered with NextVista.org to promote the teacher strand of the “Mountains of Creativity” contest and make quality digital media happen. And a special event movie preview: Look! I’m Learning, advocacy film about a digital revolution led by kids in Michigan premieres Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.

Back by popular demand is the “Pre-Keynote Session: Technology Shoot-Out”. Join us when educational technology leaders Adam Bellow, Leslie Fisher, John Kuglin and Kathy Schrock present the latest tech gadgets and programs during a highly interactive session.  Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in Room SA1.

FETC’s signature “Eye-Opening Keynote” will be held Wednesday morning prior to the start of the session/workshop day, and will feature inspirational speaker, Jaime Casap, Global Education Evangelist Google. Jaime, will explore the power of the web in education and the collaborative learning environment it creates for students. Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in Room SA1.

The 2013 Exhibit Hall will open during a reception Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m.  This dedicated educators’ marketplace, will enable attendees to see and purchase the latest innovations in classroom technology from more than 500 companies, including industry powerhouses like Epson, Edmodo, Google Chromebooks, Insight Systems Exchange and Lenovo. This hands-on, interactive environment is a key component of the FETC experience, allowing conference attendees to access the cutting-edge technologies transforming today’s education landscape. 

For the second year in a row, FETC 2013 will offer a mobile app available in both the Apple and Android app stores. Conference attendees can download the app for direct access to VerAttend, FETC and Learning Environments conference schedules, sessions, maps and FETC social media platforms directly from their phone or tablet.

For more information on FETC 2013 including a detailed list of sessions, presenters, exhibitors, ticketed workshops and registration details visit www.fetc.org.

FETC, a division of the 1105 Media Education Group, is owned by 1105 Media, Inc., a leading provider of integrated information and media in targeted business-to-business markets.

About 1105 Media

1105 Media, Inc. provides integrated business-to-business information and media to qualified professionals in the public, academic and private sectors focusing on technology, products, policy, regulation and news delivered through an assortment of media, including print and online magazines, journals and newsletters; seminars, conferences, executive summits and trade shows; training and courseware; and web-based services. The markets served by these offerings include Government, Education, Network & Enterprise Computing, Business Intelligence, Office Equipment, Industrial Health & Safety, Compliance, Security, Environmental Protection, Water & Wastewater and Home Medical Equipment.

 1105 Media is based in Chatsworth, Calif., with primary offices throughout the U.S. and more than 350 employees. The company was formed in April 2006 by Nautic Partners LLC, Alta Communications and President and CEO Neal Vitale.

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 Note:  Media representatives interested in attending and covering FETC 2013 must register on-site in room S220D of the Orange County Convention Center.  FETC 2013 will feature an on-site Press Room where registered media representatives can schedule interviews, work stories or just relax. The FETC Press Room will be open Tuesday, Jan. 29 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.); Wednesday, Jan. 30 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.); and Thursday, Jan. 31 (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Media representatives are required to register and will not be admitted into any FETC venues without a badge issued by FETC press staff. There is no cost for media registration.