„Business happens between people and not companies“

Do you work in the education industry and would you like to benefit from a tailor-made matchmaking programme at Frankfurter Buchmesse (16–20 Oct 2019)? Then make sure to expand your network with One-to-One Business Connections(opens in a new window). We have partnered up with Educational Systemics, Inc. to offer this service to you. But how does it work? Time for an interview with the founder, Michael Jay.

1. Hello Michael Jay, please describe your job and your connection to the fair and Frankfurt EDU?

As founder of Educational Systemics back in 2001 my goal is to help organisations that serve the needs of elementary and secondary learners and educators and those involved in the infrastructure that supports their success. As the name of my company suggests, we have a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of the systems that drive student learning. The Frankfurter Buchmesse allows me to expand my industry knowledge beyond the country in which I am based and offer my expertise to those who might benefit from my 30 years in the education industry.

2. Why are the One-to-One Business Connections valuable to people doing business at the Frankfurter Buchmesse?

Making the most of doing business at the Frankfurter Buchmesse involves meeting with people who are well connected and have shared professional interests. In the 15 years we have been managing One-to-One Business Connections events at other industry meetings we have been able to increase the value of participating in the larger event by providing meetings with pre-qualified individuals and organizations.

3. How does the process work from the point where someone signs up to the point where they go to their scheduled meetings at the fair?

Once a company registers for the One-to-One Business Connections Educational Systemics sends them a link to an online questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to describe both your immediate and longer term needs, your market segment, and related business information as well as your contact and availability for meetings with at the Buchmesse. Once we close registration we use those data to identify the best meeting opportunities for you among those who registered. Assuming we remain on schedule, you should receive your list of meetings including date, time, location, and initial information about each of your scheduled meetings by the first few days of October. You should then meet with the assigned person at the designated location at the scheduled time at the Buchmesse. Educational Systemics has a stand at the Buchmesse where you can check-in if you have any questions about your meetings.

4. Could you give examples of how companies have benefited from this programme in the past?

In the past we have made introductions which resulted in co-marketing agreements, licensing of key technologies, distribution agreements, company acquisitions, consulting engagements, and a long list of new professional friendships. The outcome is largely based on the mindset and openness of the participants to exploring mutually beneficial opportunities. We are happy to help participants in following up or identifying options for further networking as part of making the One-to-One Business Connections an even more valuable experience.

5. Suppose you were at the Frankfurter Buchmesse in 2025 — what will networking at fairs look like in the near future?

While some of the value we provide in the One-to-One Business Connections (opens in a new window)can be automated, it is important to acknowledge that ultimately business happens between people and not companies. In 2025 I expect that networking in EDU will extend beyond simply selling another widget or closing another deal to re-contextualizing these conversations in terms of how these strategies improve student learning, teacher efficacy, and use the best media and methodology to ensure every learner is successful. Networking still will entail finding ways to differentiate and improve your products and services while at the same time serving the greater good. This networking will increasingly extend beyond the physical Frankfurter Buchmesse to create an active community that is active between events.

6. What do you personally hope for from the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2019?

I want to catch-up with professional friends I often only see at the Frankfurter Buchmesse as well as meet new people with similar interests and goals to mine. As Educational Systemics continues to thrive I look forward to identifying ways we can help members of the education industry community pursue their own goals and other initiatives. In the last year, some talented colleagues and I started a new business, MatchMaker Education Labs™, in which we have created new technologies that dynamically associate competencies, educational resources, and curriculum to liberate learning. I will be looking to establish relationships with organizations that are interested in using MatchMaker’s capabilities to advance and enhance their products.

Thank you for the interview and welcome to the Frankfurter Buchmesse in October!

(Interview by Frank Krings, PR Manager at Frankfurter Buchmesse.)

You can register for One-to-One Business Connections 2019 here: https://xem.xing-events.com/businessconnection2019.html(opens in a new window)

Tickets to Frankfurter Buchmesse are available here(opens in a new window).