The Barbican, London – 12-13 March 2015
The Music Education Expo returned for another year, bringing music education professionals together to network, learn and share their passion for all things musical. Hosted by Rhinegold Media & Events at The Barbican in London, the Expo reigned in an impressive 2,500 visitors who were spoilt for choice with the range of products and services on offer.
Back for its fourth consecutive year and attracting more visitors and exhibitors each year, this must-attend event is constantly growing. As one of the only educational tours operators to be involved with the Expo since it began four years ago, Rayburn Tours were privileged and excited to return and be a part of an event that is so dedicated to supporting music education and groups of young performers. With over 50 years’ experience, we were able to impart our knowledge on youth music tours by coming together in this thriving hub of music education.
We sent out two of our Concert Tour Consultants, Jo and Alison, to meet and greet industry experts and show how we can help people realise their touring dreams, as well as how we can help start the process of creating a truly memorable concert tour.
On arrival, it was impossible to ignore the Expo’s electric and high-spirited vibe. Exhibitors and professionals were able to communicate in person, building relationships with new and existing clients to strengthen the voice of music education. Packed with a number of seminars, workshops, debates and live performances, it’s no wonder why it’s the UK’s leading music education event.
For Jo and Alison, it was particularly enjoyable to talk to clients face to face, as well as share their wealth of knowledge about music tours with music teachers. With Jo being a performer herself and Alison having bags of travel experience, both were excited to understand their clients’ musical needs on a personal level, and show how they can help showcase their talents around the world.
There was a keen interest in close to home destinations, including Paris, Belgium and The Rhineland, which are perfect for first-time performers and youth ensembles. Performing in such beautiful and culturally rich countries offers a truly unforgettable musical experience. Destinations that are further afield like Hong Kong and China offer the same rewards, with the added bonus of staying that little bit longer to soak up the musical heritage of these exotic countries.
Reflecting on this year’s event, Jo, who’s attended three years running, said, ‘It was the best one yet!’ Both left feeling more knowledgeable and up to date with current trends, and can’t wait to see what next year’s event will offer.
The Music Education Expo is expected to be even bigger next year as it will take place in its new location at London’s most iconic exhibition centre, Olympia Central, on 25-26 February 2016.
Everything will be on one floor in an exciting new format, and there will be a brand new area of the Expo – the Musical Theatre and Drama Education Show. Now musical theatre and drama exhibitors and teachers can come together and join this musically enriching event.
Rayburn Tours are excited to continue supporting this fantastic event, and we look forward to discussing your touring experiences with you and sharing our extensive knowledge with music teachers from across the country.