339: Alicia Berlanga, Cluster Manager, EdTech Congress Barcelona

This week, Joe Way kicks off another “January Push for ISE” episode with a big announcement: a brand-new education-focused collaboration happening alongside ISE 2026, EdTech Congress Barcelona (Feb 4–5). Joined by Alicia Berlanga, Cluster Manager for the Spanish EdTech Cluster, the conversation explores the event, its partnership with Integrated Systems Europe, and the ways the event supports the education vertical.Alicia Berlanga — Cluster Manager, EdTech Cluster SpainFormerly spent ~15 years at the Technical University of Catalonia working on international e-learning/education technology projects (starting in 1999)Later led professional training schools in Madrid and Barcelona for ~7 yearsNow leads the EdTech Cluster, bringing together companies, universities, schools, foundations, and associations to advance technology’s role across education and training1) What an “EdTech Cluster” is (and why it’s a big deal)Alicia explains the European “cluster” model—built around industry innovation and shared mission (inspired by Michael Porter’s work analyzing ecosystems like Silicon Valley). The cluster functions like an association, but with an innovation-first mandate that intentionally connects the ecosystem.EdTech Cluster Spain’s five core tracks:Market / networking: grow the sector through member connectionsInnovation: collaborative projects (including interoperability challenges in education)Internationalization: global connection and partnership (hello, HETMA)Talent: building the pipeline into edtech rolesShared value: reinforcing the social impact of education + technology2) What EdTech Congress Barcelona is:Alicia breaks down the congress as Spain’s flagship EdTech event—two days, ~2,000 attendees, and a full stakeholder mix: schools, universities, corporate learning, companies, and public administration.Congress structure highlights:Keynotes in a large auditorium + multiple parallel tracksTracks spanning K-12, universities, professional training, corporate, and public administrationA deliberate effort to bring public-sector education leaders into conversations about ethics, AI, and guidance frameworks3) The 2026 theme: AI, but more human—and more interdisciplinary:Rather than treating AI as “just software,” this year’s program expands the lens with voices from outside the usual tech circuit, including:AI experts from industry and educationA philosopherA writer focused on the topicA paleoanthropologist (including work connected to the famous excavations)Plus mention of high-profile education leadership voices (including a former U.S. Department of Education deputy director)The goal: a holistic view of AI’s impact on learning, culture, and the future of the human “digital brain.”4) Why aligning with ISE matters (and what changes in 2026 vs 2027):Alicia explains the timing shift (from April to February) and why it better matches the academic/commercial calendar in Europe. From there, the conversation turns to the bigger move: aligning with ISE to create a true “Week of EdTech.”Key integration points discussed:Reducing duplication (why run major education programming weeks apart?)Leveraging ISE’s scale and global audience to grow the education communityBuilding toward a more embedded program in 2027 (including deeper integration, program embedding, hackathon, etc.), while 2026 acts as a “transition / introduction” yearHETMA @ ISE + EdTech Congress (what Joe previews):Joe outlines HETMA’s plan to make the week feel curated and community-first:Two HETMA booths (one on the ISE show floor + one at EdTech Congress)Live podcast recordings happening at both locationsSwag of swag (and a teased “unique experience” at the booth)Happy hours and social connection pointsTours and guidance so first-timers don’t get overwhelmed by ISE’s scaleA strong invitation: don’t wander ISE alone—find your people through HETMAMemorable moments / quotables:The big idea: “A week of education and technology”—for the first time at this scale in the regionJoe’s mission for ISE: “Don’t walk in and get lost. Walk in, find us, and let us help you.”Classic disclaimer energy: none of the opinions belong to anyone who might want to sue themConnect with Alicia Berlanga and the EdTech Congress Barcelona:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaberlangamanagertecnologiaeducativa/Email: [email protected]: https://EdTechCongressBCN.comFree Pass: https://registration.firabarcelona.com/?cod_prom=APOO7SDC#/es_ES/J202026/WEBFollow all the HETMA and Higher Ed AV coverage:Website: https://www.higheredav.com/ISE2026EdTech Congress: Booth T204ISE Show Floor: Booth 2W400Connect with Joe Way:Web: https://www.josiahway.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/josiahwayX (Formerly Twitter): https://www.x.com/josiahwayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiahway