The Value of Conferences: How Conferences Drive Innovation, Networking and Change in Education

Unpacking the Meaning and Value Behind the Conferences

I often roll my eyes at the thought of another conference – they can seem soulless, full of fluff and sell, sell, sell.  I stopped attending.  Many events felt commercial and lacking in substance and authenticity.  As an English specialist, it is no surprise that I look at words for their true meaning. The word itself originates from the Latin conferre, meaning “to bring together, to compare, to consult”. This is composed of the prefix con- (meaning together, with) and the root ferre (meaning to bear, to carry). The term evolved through Old French and Middle English to take on its modern meaning - emphasising the idea of coming together for counsel, discussion and shared learning. 

The heart of it is important to me – what I felt was lost.  Authenticity.

For many, conferences are often viewed with scepticism - dismissed as a day out of the office, filled with generic keynote speeches and a sea of lanyards. Perhaps an easy day out to escape the routine, or conversely a waste of valuable time when the ‘To-do list’ is never-ending. But if we strip away the assumptions and examine the origins of conferences and their true impact, a different picture emerges - one of collaboration, learning, connection and inspiration.

Top 5 Takeaways

• The value of conferences lies in real collaboration, not commercialism.

• High-impact education conferences promote professional growth and student outcomes.

• Face-to-face networking fosters long-term partnerships and trust.

• Experiential learning, like school visits, offers unmatched insight.

• Join the Fortis Education Conference in June 2025 to connect, collaborate and take action.

The Origins of Conferences: Why They Matter

The concept of gathering to exchange ideas is not new. Ancient societies convened in forums, councils, and assemblies to debate laws, share discoveries and solve problems. The modern conference traces its roots to the scientific and academic meetings of the 17th and 18th centuries, where scholars came together to present research and challenge each other’s findings. These early gatherings laid the groundwork for what we now recognise as professional conferences - a structured environment where knowledge transfer, collaboration and professional growth take centre stage.

Over time, as industries evolved, so did conferences. The rise of mass education, technological advancements, and globalisation expanded the reach and impact of these events. Today, conferences are more than just information exchanges; they can be hubs of innovation, where interdisciplinary connections are made and where individuals gain the tools and insights necessary to drive progress in their fields.  However, has the pendulum swung too far where value to people, industry-thought and leadership are eclipsed by commerce and marketing smoke and mirrors?

Benefits of (True) Conferences

1. Collaborative Learning in Action

One of the most powerful aspects of conferences is the opportunity for collaborative learning. Dr. John Hattie’s research in Visible Learning underscores the value of collaboration, showing it as a high-impact teaching strategy with an effect size of 0.54 - well above the average impact of educational interventions. Conferences bring together educators, thought leaders and innovators in a setting designed for real-time knowledge exchange, making them a catalyst for professional growth.

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) also highlights that structured professional development and peer collaboration rank among the most effective ways to enhance teaching quality and student outcomes. Since the pandemic, studies have increasingly shown that face-to-face collaboration is even more valuable than before. After prolonged periods of remote work and virtual meetings, the impact of in-person interaction on engagement, innovation and team-building is more profound than ever.

A Harvard Business Review article highlights that professionals attending in-person events report higher retention of information and stronger relationship-building than those attending virtual alternatives. In education, where most students experience learning in real-world settings, it makes sense that educators and leaders should engage in similar experiences rather than relying solely on digital spaces detached from classroom realities.

2. Meaningful Connections and Networking

In our increasingly digital world, face-to-face interactions remain invaluable. When educators, business leaders, or professionals connect at conferences, they are not just exchanging business cards - they are forming relationships that can lead to partnerships, collaborative projects, and new career opportunities.  We also sometimes meet connections that have already been kindled online, and you see a lot over the course of a day – conferences are an opportunity to see if you really are kindred spirits, if you feel a deeper connection or question if you really want to collaborate in business.  The unexpected can yield from new and existing connections.  Both outcomes are positive.

A single conversation at a conference can be the spark that leads to a new initiative, a research partnership, or even a long-term mentorship. As Harvard Business Review reports, effective networking increases the likelihood of career success, as it exposes individuals to new opportunities and diverse perspectives.

3. Inspiration and Motivation

Stepping out of your daily routine and immersing yourself in a conference setting can be incredibly energising. Keynote speakers and delegates challenge conventional thinking, panel discussions introduce fresh perspectives, and case studies showcase real-world applications of innovative ideas.

Professor Etienne Wenger, a pioneer in the concept of Communities of Practice, emphasises that “learning is fundamentally a social phenomenon.” Conferences epitomise this by creating spaces where ideas are shared, critiqued and refined in a dynamic setting. Attendees often leave with renewed motivation, practical takeaways and a clearer vision of how to implement what they’ve learned with a notebook full of numbers and email addresses with plans to meet – continue the conversation.

4. The Power of Real-World Experiences: Seeing, Feeling and Understanding

Beyond discussions and presentations, conferences often include visits and tours, providing attendees with the opportunity to see institutions and facilities firsthand. Experiencing a place in real life offers an entirely different perspective than reading about it or seeing glossy brochures. This is especially important in education, where school selection is a MAJOR decision for families and students.

When choosing a school or education programme, visiting the campus, stepping into the classrooms, and experiencing the atmosphere provides an unparalleled level of insight. Just as reading about the Colosseum is nothing like standing in its vast stone amphitheatre, seeing school facilities in person - its sports fields, technology labs, and historic buildings -gives a clearer, more holistic sense of what students will experience.

Educational psychologists have long emphasised the importance of experiential learning. Research by Kolb (1984) supports the idea that learning happens more effectively through concrete experience and active engagement rather than passive consumption of information. School visits during conferences offer exactly this type of immersive, meaningful learning.

5. Practical Takeaways for Real-World Application

A well-organised conference isn’t just about absorbing information - it’s about application. What can I take back to my schools, students, families and agents?  Engaging with others helps refine your thinking, challenge assumptions, and bridge the gap between theory and practice. The discussions and debates that take place in conference settings enable attendees to test ideas, gain feedback, swap knowledge of their experience and settings to return to work equipped with actionable insights and strategies.

Shaping the Future: Innovation Starts Here

Conferences act as incubators for new ideas. They bring together diverse voices from different backgrounds, fostering cross-disciplinary conversations that lead to innovation. Many industry-changing breakthroughs have stemmed from the collaborative environment of a conference.

From the global stage of TED Talks to sector-specific education summits, these events serve as breeding grounds for fresh ideas that challenge the status quo. Whether discussing the latest developments in AI, advancements in pedagogy, or new approaches to leadership, conferences are where the future is often explored and shaped.

Reframing the Role of Conferences

Because the best ideas don’t emerge in isolation. They emerge in conversations, in shared experiences, and in moments of unexpected inspiration that conferences are uniquely positioned to foster.

The Fortis Education Conference isn’t just another event - it’s deliberately a space where ideas meet action, where connections lead to change, and where professionals come together to shape the future of education. Whether you are looking to gain new insights from education leaders, form valuable partnerships, or simply reignite your passion for what you do, this is not to be missed.  It is designed to be the true meaning of conferre.

Why Attend the Fortis Education Conference?

Because the best ideas don’t happen in silos. They emerge in conversation, in community, and in spaces that honour both intellect and heart. That’s what we’re building on 30 June 2025 at Harrow School, an event shaped by educators, for educators.

It’s time to bring back the true meaning of conferre: to carry ideas forward, together.

Book your place now: www.fortiseducation.co.uk/conference

Want to know more? Email Lisa directly: lisa@fortiseducation.co.uk

Thanks to generous sponsors, there are some subsidised tickets available. Contact us, we do not want cost to be a barrier for those who might benefit and impact young people.

Remember, all proceeds from the conference fund our outreach programme to teach care-experienced students. Statistically, many of these children are excluded from school and life outcomes are much lower than their peers. Our programmes prepare for scholarships and bursaries to independent schools and others focus on public examinations to access top-tier universities. We want all children to be confiident and independent, with the opportunity to succeed through education.

Top 5 Questions About Conferences

1. Are conferences still relevant in a digital-first world? Yes, in-person engagement offers depth and connection that digital platforms can’t replicate.

2. What makes a great education conference? Substance, authenticity, real-world application and opportunities for collaboration.

3. How do I choose the right events to attend? Look for alignment with your values, credible speakers and interactive formats over sales pitches.

4. Do conferences actually lead to change? Yes, when followed by reflection, application and ongoing collaboration.

5. Is the Fortis Education Conference right for me? If you value meaningful dialogue, strategic insight and community-driven change in education, absolutely.

Join the Conversation

What has been your most valuable conference experience? How have conferences shaped your career or perspective?

Share your thoughts below or join us at Fortis Education Conference on the 30th June at Harrow School. Be part of a gathering where knowledge meets action, and where your voice matters, and I can’t wait to shake your hand.  Remember that?

Enjoy, Grow and help young people narrow the attainment gap and improve educational outcomes.

Book your place now: www.fortiseducation.co.uk/conference

Want to know more? Email Lisa directly: lisa@fortiseducation.co.uk