At Sharp, we’ve always believed that meaningful digital transformation starts with listening.
Before we built our recent series of education events, we took a step back and asked Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) leaders a simple question: what would genuinely make stepping away from your day-to-day worthwhile? The answer was clear. Not theory. Not hype. Real-world insight, grounded in the challenges they are facing every day across schools, staff, and students.
That principle has shaped everything we’ve delivered since.
Now, three events in, it’s clear that the approach is resonating.
Learning from Experience That Truly Stands Apart
A key highlight across all three events has been the contribution from Tony Panetta, Microsoft’s Education Transformation Director. What makes Tony’s perspective particularly unique is not just his current role, but the experience that underpins it.
Before joining Microsoft, Tony led digital transformation across a trust of 160 schools. That scale brings a level of complexity that few can truly speak to, balancing budgets, managing change across diverse environments, and ensuring that technology delivers tangible outcomes rather than adding noise.
It’s this lived experience that has consistently landed with attendees. His sessions move beyond the “what” of AI and digital strategy, into the “how” how to create alignment, how to drive adoption, and how to ensure investment translates into meaningful impact across teaching, learning, and operational efficiency.
For MAT leaders navigating similar pressures, that level of insight is invaluable.
Built Around Real Challenges, Not Assumptions
What has made these events different and why we’ve seen such strong engagement is that they weren’t built in isolation.
Every session, every topic, and every discussion point has been shaped around the real-world pain points shared by MATs themselves. From budget constraints and resource pressures, to data security, staff adoption, and the practical application of AI within education environments.
Rather than presenting a fixed agenda, we curated a space for open, relevant, and honest conversation, bringing together education leaders, technology experts, and partners to share perspectives and challenge thinking.
That collaborative approach is something we believe is essential in today’s environment. The pace of change within education technology is significant, and no organisation should be expected to navigate it alone.
Creating Space for Meaningful Peer-to-Peer Networking
While the content has been a critical part of the events, the opportunity for networking has been just as impactful.
Each session has been designed to facilitate genuine conversation between peers, leaders who are facing similar challenges, making similar decisions, and working towards similar strategic outcomes.
The feedback we’ve received speaks for itself: “The AI Conference at Trafford College was brilliant! I learnt so much from the speakers, particularly Tony Panetta sharing the digital transformation journey of CEWA. It was also great to be in a room with other Trust leaders and professionals from the Edtech world. Thank you for a great agenda, the opportunity to learn and network… and great food!”
For us, that reinforces something important. Sometimes the most valuable insight doesn’t just come from the stage, it comes from the conversations happening around the room.
From Possibility to Practical Impact
One of the consistent themes across all three events has been the shift from AI as a concept, to AI as something practical and achievable within education.
There is no shortage of discussion around AI, but what MAT leaders are really looking for is clarity:
- Where do we start?
- What does good look like?
- How do we ensure it delivers value, not disruption?
These are complex questions, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But what we can do and what we’re committed to doing is helping trusts break that journey down into manageable, strategic steps.
Through a consultative approach, we work to understand each organisation’s needs, offering expert advice, guidance, and training to ensure technology is not only implemented, but truly adopted and delivering measurable value.
Because ultimately, digital transformation isn’t about technology alone, it’s about outcomes. Supporting staff. Enhancing student experience. Driving efficiency. And ensuring every investment contributes to long-term success.
Our Commitment to the Education Sector
At Sharp, we see ourselves as more than a provider of technology. We are a partner, working alongside MATs to simplify, integrate, and future-proof their environments, while ensuring that change is manageable and aligned to strategic priorities.
We recognise the challenges that trusts face:
- Balancing innovation with financial responsibility
- Ensuring security and compliance
- Driving adoption across multiple sites
- Delivering consistent experiences for staff and students
Our role is to help navigate that complexity, bringing together insight, expertise, and a practical roadmap that supports continuous improvement and long-term value.
What Comes Next
The success of these events has reinforced the importance of creating spaces where education leaders can come together, share openly, and learn from those who have navigated similar journeys at scale.
We’re committed to continuing this series, evolving the content, deepening the conversation, and ensuring we stay aligned to what MATs need most as the landscape continues to change.
Because digital transformation in education isn’t a one-off initiative. It’s an ongoing journey.
And it’s one that is best navigated together.
If you’d like to stay informed about future education events, webinars, and be included in our communications, you can register your interest below.
