What to Expect at FETC 2026: A Guide for Educators

By Robot Kits & Laser Cutters for STEAM Education | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: Industry News

Planning to attend FETC 2026? Learn what to expect at the Future of Education Technology Conference, from hands-on edtech demos to networking with fellow educators.

Quick Answer

At FETC 2026, expect four days of hands-on edtech exploration, including robotics and laser cutter demos, plus networking with thousands of educators and industry experts.

What Makes FETC Different from Other Edtech Conferences

FETC is one of the largest education technology conferences in the U.S., drawing K-12 educators, administrators, and technology leaders. Unlike smaller regional events, FETC offers a packed schedule of workshops, keynotes, and an expansive expo hall where you can test the latest tools before you buy.

The conference is known for its practical focus: sessions are designed to give you actionable ideas you can implement in your classroom or district right away. Expect to see a strong emphasis on STEM, coding, and maker education, with vendors showcasing everything from robotics kits to laser cutters.

Trade-offs: Big Conference, Big Choices

With so many sessions and exhibitors, FETC can feel overwhelming. You won't be able to attend everything, so it helps to set priorities before you arrive. The expo hall alone can take a full day to explore thoroughly.

On the plus side, the variety means you can tailor your experience to your specific interests—whether that's robotics, AI in education, or hands-on maker projects. Just be prepared to make choices and pace yourself.

FETC 2026 FAQ

When and where is FETC 2026?: FETC 2026 is scheduled for January 14-17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. The conference typically takes place at the Orange County Convention Center, though it's always wise to confirm the exact venue on the official FETC website. Book travel and accommodation early, as January is peak season in Orlando.
Who should attend FETC?: FETC is designed for K-12 educators, instructional coaches, technology specialists, and school administrators. Whether you're new to edtech or a seasoned pro, you'll find sessions and exhibitors that match your experience level. If you're attending with a team, divide and conquer to cover more sessions.
What should I bring to FETC?: Bring comfortable shoes, business cards for networking, and a fully charged tablet or laptop for taking notes. Many sessions are interactive, so be ready to participate. Also, consider bringing a small notebook to jot down product names and booth numbers. Create a digital or physical folder to collect product brochures and business cards.
How can I make the most of the expo hall?: Before you arrive, review the exhibitor list and mark the booths you want to visit. At the show, start with the booths that are most relevant to your current needs, and don't be afraid to ask for live demonstrations. For example, at booth 2957, Makeblock and xTool often offer hands-on projects with their robotics kits and laser cutters. Set a goal to have meaningful conversations with at least five vendors each day.

What You Might See at FETC

[Exhibition] FETC: Future of Education Technology Conference: At FETC, Makeblock and xTool will bring the latest tech tools to every educator, offering the opportunity to work on a project on-site. The event runs January 14-17, 2025, at Booth 2957, featuring products like the xTool F1 Ultra and mBot2 Rover Robotics Kit. This hands-on opportunity lets you test robotics and laser cutting tools yourself, so you can see how they might fit into your classroom before making a purchase.
[Exhibition] FETC: Future of Education Technology Conference

FETC 2026 is a prime opportunity to discover the latest education technology and connect with like-minded educators. Start planning now so you can make the most of your time at the conference.