This past month was a whirlwind of inspiration, innovation, and invaluable interactions for the fobizz team as we ventured to San Diego to participate in two remarkable events: the AIR (AI Revolution) Show and the ASU+GSV Summit. These conferences provided us with a phenomenal opportunity to showcase our vision, connect with educational leaders, and delve into the future of education.
For the first time, fobizz was an exhibitor at a US conference, and the AIR Show was perfect for our debut! For 3 days straight we had the opportunity to meet inspiring educators and enjoy insightful conversations. We were excited to tell them about fobizz and the overwhelmingly positive feedback was really motivating. On the demo stage, we were thrilled to introduce attendees to the highlights of what fobizz offers and peak their interest to see more. We carried that energy into our hands-on workshop, where we provided a deeper dive into how educators can leverage our courses and tools to enhance their teaching methodologies and classroom experiences. The holistic approach from fobizz, along with our focus on data protection, privacy, and security, continued to resonate well with educators from various countries.
The AIR Show wasn’t just about showcasing products though; it was a gathering of some of the brightest minds in technology and education. We had the pleasure of meeting some of our authors and other inspirational presenters throughout various panels and sessions at the conference. Additionally, we had the honor of seeing none other than Bill Nye “the Science Guy” gracing the main stage, adding an extra layer of excitement and star quality to the event! Last but not least, Diana Knodel, the fobizz co-founder and CEO, was recognized as one of the top women for leading the AI Revolution in Education for 2024. This group of women, who finally got the recognition they deserve, was nothing short of inspiring!
Next up was the ASU+GSV Summit, an event teeming with passionate discussions about the trajectory of education. It was a hub of innovative presentations and spirited debates about what education should look like in the coming years. A highlight was the Global AI Policy Landscape panel, moderated by our own Diana Knodel. This session featured distinguished speakers from various countries, including Paul Lekas, the SVP and Head of Global Public Policy & Government Affairs at SIIA, Raghad Aljughaiman, the Advisor to the Minister of Education of UAE, Manny Lamarre, the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Dean Kline from the World Bank EdTech team. The topic of global AI policy was dissected and debated, offering rare insights into how different nations are navigating the vast landscape of artificial intelligence in education.
It wasn’t all serious business and information sessions though; the summit also offered vibrant networking opportunities. From running into old friends to making new connections, there was never a dull moment! The closing event featured the one and only Paula Abdul, who inspired us with her story of perseverance and even got everyone out of their seats to learn and dance parts of her iconic choreography. We also witnessed Luis von Ahn, founder and CEO of Duolingo, receive the 2024 GSV Lifetime Achievement Award for his numerous contributions. It is hard to pick a favorite moment, but a memorable contender was the cocktail event held on the USS Midway—a legendary aircraft carrier turned museum. This evening event allowed us to unwind and mingle in a setting that was nothing short of spectacular, surrounded by historical artifacts and the panoramic views of San Diego Bay.
Reflecting on both events, the overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude—not just for the opportunity to be part of such gatherings, but to do so alongside the best team one could ask for. The spirit and dedication of the fobizz team, including everyone back in Germany who helped us prepare for the conferences, were the true stars of our trip. As we look forward to our future adventures, we are more motivated than ever to continue our journey of innovation and impact on education. Here’s to more learning, growing, and leading in the dynamic world of edtech!
Author: Ksenia from fobizz
Ksenia works to empower schools and districts around the world with the fobizz (AI) digital tools and professional development courses.
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