Takeaways from EdWeek Market Brief Summit 2024

After the summit wrapped, we asked Verlan and other Agile senior leaders who attended it to share some highlights from their time there.

1. Why, as Education marketing professional, did you want to attend this year’s Market Brief Summit?

Verlan Stephens | Chief Information Officer 
It’s a great opportunity to be at the intersection of Education and the Business of Education. Having the opportunity to hear from senior district leaders and meet with industry leadership makes Market Brief Summit a unique opportunity.

Alexa Chitwood | Director of Client Success + Strategy 
This conference brings together education companies, industry leaders, and educators, facilitating great discussion and learning.

Derek Dallmann | Chief Revenue Officer 
Getting a pulse on the education market (opportunities and challenges) and networking.

2. How did engaging with educators and education solution providers at this event impact or change your perspective?

Alexa Chitwood | Director of Client Success + Strategy 
Some education solution providers are doing it right, meaning they are learning about the district, the challenges they are facing, what their strategic plan looks like, and how their solutions will benefit the educators and students. Gaining this knowledge takes a great deal of time—props to sales teams that are spending the time to do this! I think it was a wake-up call to vendors on just how vital it is to take the time to do their research.

Consulting our clients on how to use our market data to do this type of work is clearly an impactful benefit in today’s market landscape, and one Agile can readily deliver.

3. What did you learn during the summit that surprised you?

Alexa Chitwood | Director of Client Success + Strategy 
Many districts do not have a grant writer to help seek funding afford new products or solutions, which is why they may be unable to pursue many that come across their desk.

Derek Dallmann | Chief Revenue Officer 
How marketers are juggling too many projects at one time. The last day’s session on Agile Marketing was eye opening.

4. What’s one insight you gained from the summit that education companies should know?

Verlan Stephens | Chief Information Officer 
As the last of the ESSER funds are being exhausted, many companies are marketing to reinforce value, not just to generate leads.

Alexa Chitwood | Director of Client Success + Strategy 
To invest time to research and find district strategic plans, and create a process for reps to use the data in their outreach. District leaders like a customized approach, and folks in the school building—including teachers—still have a heavy impact when it comes to needs and purchasing of solutions.

Derek Dallmann | Chief Revenue Officer 
Working with districts to be creative, in terms of pricing and solutions. to make sure that their student needs are being met.

5. What’s one thing that education vendors are optimistic about, as it relates to the state of education?

Verlan Stephens | Chief Information Officer 
With better assessment tools, educators are better able to identify and help to correct student learning issues.

Derek Dallmann | Chief Revenue Officer 
The resilience and cooperation of districts, companies, and partners in tough or uncertain times. Being in the market over 25 years, challenges will always arise, but when they occur there is a collaborative effort to overcome obstacles and come out on the other end stronger.

Empower Your Organization With Valuable Data and Insights

Agile Education Marketing stands as a dependable partner to help you navigate these complex environments, equipping your teams with robust education market insights for more effective outreach. With a commitment to personalized solutions, collaboration, and continuous improvement, Agile’s market experts empower your business to optimize its decision-making and targeting strategies.

Ready to partner with Agile Education Marketing and create a strategic plan that aligns with school budgets and purchasing cycles? Reach out today to get started.