School Equipment Show 2008
Workshop Schedule

Wednesday, March 5

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Washington Update and Its Effect on NSSEA Members
Fritz Edelstein, Public/Private Action and Jennifer Hill, Association of Educational Publishers

Fritz and Jennifer will address several timely and important issues in education that affect NSSEA and its members. Their presentation will discuss the recently released education budget request for FY2009 by the President, the current status of the NCLB reauthorization and other education legislation, as well as offer an “Inside the Beltway” assessment on what to expect over the next several months, given the upcoming Presidential election. Come to this session to hear a fresh view on the current policy issues from an NSSEA perspective.

Wednesday, March 5

3:30 – 5:00 pm

Leadership: Doing the Right Thing in the Wrong Times
Paul Houston, American Association of School Administrators

Public education is caught in a “perfect storm” of increased expectations, tight resources, and unreasonable criticism. Nonetheless, school leaders must respond with enthusiasm and a sense of hope. Paul Houston will share his insights of how school market leaders can work successfully in these difficult times. Paul has served as executive director of the American Association of School Administrators since 1994. He has established himself as one of the leading spokespersons for American public education through his extensive U.S. and international speaking engagements, published articles and media interviews.

Thursday, March 6

9:00 – 10:30 am

Trends in the School Equipment Market
Deb Moore, School Planning & Management

Education construction is booming. With a rapidly increasing student population, widespread overcrowding, obsolete buildings in desperate need of repair, and with public-school improvement being a hot political issue, educational construction will continue to enjoy a growth trend for years to come. In this session, we will take a look at the dollars being spent, the schools being built, the changing needs and expectations, and emerging trends in design. We will also examine the impact of facilities and educational interiors on students, staff and the learning environment.

Friday, March 7

9:00 – 10:30 am

Working with Architects
Panel Discussion

Great schools don’t happen by accident. They are the result of careful planning and collaboration between the district, the architect/designer and the suppliers of school furniture and equipment. Meaningful communication between these parties is crucial to the creation of inspiring and functional places of learning. In this session a panel of architects, administrators and distributors will share their insights on how to communicate before, during, and after the sale – to ensure quality learning environments and repeat business.