I think there are some good points made about practitioners, absent or otherwise, here.
As a consequence of the efforts of the e-Learning Foundation and Specialist Schools and Academies Trust there were probably more practitioners attending than you might have realised but indeed it will be good to see levels rise. However at this fairly early stage it is important to get those that control the purse strings, the heads and other leaders engaged so that they might release practitioners for Handheld Learning 2007, or as Dave points out there will be more practititioners because there will simply be more projects and more experience to share.
As we know, it's really difficult for many practitioners to get the time off even for training let alone a conference despite being potentially vital for the updating of knowledge and skills. I can hardly think of an alternative profession from plumbers to surgeons where there is such a challenge!
At least with the availability of podcasts, presentations and discussion online some of those who were unable to attend will be able to gain access to some of the inspirational talks given and the shared knowledge.
Certainly given the level of interest it does provide food for thought with regards to our planning for HL 2007.
FORUM
General Area 
