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Recap: ETC 2024 at Iowa State University

Recap: ETC 2024 at Iowa State University
By Troy Powers

This year’s ETC (Educational Technology Collaborative) Conference at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, was a fantastic event filled with great discussions, innovative ideas, and valuable networking. Bringing together AV professionals, educators, and technology enthusiasts, the conference showcased some of the latest advancements and best practices in educational technology.

First off, a huge thanks to Mike Pedersen and his team for being such gracious hosts. Iowa State’s campus was not only beautiful but also the perfect backdrop for our gathering. From the facilities to the warm reception, they really pulled out all the stops to make everyone feel at home. It was hard not to be impressed by the way everything came together seamlessly.

Credit also goes to the program committee, and everyone involved in organizing the event. Pulling off a conference like this takes a lot of coordination, and they ensured everything ran smoothly. The sessions were thoughtfully designed, offering a great mix of relevant topics and insightful presentations. Having organized events myself through HETMA, I know firsthand just how many moving parts go into these kinds of conferences. From scheduling and logistics to making sure the tech runs smoothly, it’s a constant juggling act. So, my hat goes off to everyone who made this event such a success—thank you for all your hard work!

That said, I must mention the AV over IP sessions. Don’t get me wrong—it’s an important topic, and it’s certainly relevant to the future of AV. But there were so many sessions on AV over IP that it almost felt like it dominated the conversation a little too much. At times, it felt like we were circling the same points without much variation or new perspectives. While it’s crucial to address where the industry is heading, I think a bit more balance would have allowed for a broader exploration of other equally pressing topics. Diversifying the session topics could have sparked even richer discussions and catered to a wider range of interests. Here’s hoping next year offers a bit more variety!

The Dinner with Friends networking event was one of the highlights for me. I had the pleasure of co-hosting the dinner at Fuji Japanese Steakhouse with Ron Epstein from Epiphan Video, and it was a blast. To everyone who joined us, thank you for the great conversation and the fun atmosphere—it was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sessions. For those who chose a different host, I’ll say it with a smile: for shame! You missed out on some seriously good hibachi and even better banter!

All jokes aside, it was fantastic to see people connecting, whether they were at our dinner or elsewhere. That’s the real heart of the ETC conference—people coming together to share ideas, build relationships, and push the field of educational technology forward.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that NC State has agreed to host next year’s conference. Thanks to the team at NC State for stepping up—we’re all looking forward to getting to know Raleigh, and hopefully with a little less of the agrarian ambiance we got so used to in Ames! Iowa’s natural charm certainly left its mark, but a fresh change of scenery will be welcome.

Back to Ames for a moment: the setting truly added to the experience. Iowa State’s campus is a great mix of history and modernity, a reflection of the school’s progressive approach to education. Between sessions, it was easy to take a stroll and appreciate the architecture and the serene atmosphere of the campus. It provided a great backdrop for conversations that weren’t just about tech but also about broader ideas in education and innovation.

This year’s conference offered a refreshing reminder of the strength of this community. Educational technology is evolving quickly, and the opportunity to share insights and experiences with such a passionate group of people is invaluable. From new strategies in AV to overcoming challenges in hybrid learning, the knowledge shared at the ETC conference is sure to help shape the future of education.

Finally, thank you to all the attendees. Whether you’re new to the ETC community or a seasoned participant, your presence and engagement made the conference what it was. The exchange of ideas and experiences between everyone is what drives this field forward, and it’s always great to see that happening in real time.

In short, the 2024 ETC conference at Iowa State was a wonderful success. Thank you again to Mike Pedersen and his team, the program committee, the presenters, and everyone who attended. It was a great mix of learning, networking, and fun, and we’re already looking forward to seeing everyone again next year at NC State!