FALL 2021 AGENDA
Sunday, September 12 Wrigley Rooftop, 3637 N Sheffield
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST (Game Begins: 1:20 PM CST)
Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants @ Wrigley Rooftops
Stadium tickets are not the same as rooftop tickets. For those who want a more social atmosphere during a Cubs game, including all-inclusive food and drinks, then this is the right place for you. Enjoy one of the many social areas, which include an air-conditioned bar, open-air shaded seating, stadium seats for watching the game, and a sundeck with wonderful views of the city. It's an opportunity you won't want to miss out on.
Location: Wrigley Rooftop - 3637 N Sheffield
Frequently Asked Questions:
For those that purchase a Cubs Game Rooftop Event ticket, you will be placed on the guest list at the Wrigley Rooftop - 3637 N Sheffield venue. Must bring your photo ID to enter the rooftop.
We will be meeting at the Wrigley Rooftop - 3617 N Sheffield venue.
Transportation will not be provided from the hotel to the game.
There is easy access to the Grand - Red Line train stop from the hotel, it is a 24 min commute from the hotel. Uber, Lyft's, and Taxis are also available from the hotel to the game.
The Wrigley Rooftop is part of the Wrigleyville area with a view of the stadium, the rooftop is not inside the stadium.
The Rooftop Ticket is not included with your conference registration, it is an extra $125 ticket that is sold separately. You can purchase the ticket here.
Don't see any tickets available? Tickets are subject to availability, email the office at [email protected] to check availability.
You can purchase tickets here. Don't see any tickets available? Tickets are subject to availability, email the office at [email protected] to check availability.
Brought To You By:
Monday, September 13 Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, Grand Ballroom
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST
Registration Opens for Check-In
Come pick up your welcome packet/gear and learn about things to do around Chicago!
Sponsored By:
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM CST
New Attendee Welcome & ESTA Membership Info Session
Welcome to the Esports Trade Association. If you haven’t been to an event before, stop by and say hello! Come learn a little more about ESTA. This is the perfect time to answer any questions regarding membership and ESTA.
John Davidson
Megan Van Petten
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM CST
Quick Pitch
Are you signed up for the ESTA Elevator Pitch Competition? This is the perfect opportunity to get your headshots taken, create your 90-second Linkedin video introduction, and prepare before you deliver your pitch on Tuesday. One lucky wild card winner will be chosen to present on Tuesday's competition!
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM CST
Speed Networking
Identify and connect with potential clients and partners for your business.
Faciliated By:
Sharon Gill
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM CST
Headshot Photo Sessions
Let's freshen up our professional footprint, we're bringing a photographer on-site to offer professional headshots for all who attend. Be sure to come camera-ready!
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM CST
Welcome Networking Reception
Join your fellow attendees and exhibitors for cocktails and hot & cold hors d'oeuvre on a night your won’t forget! Come network with the esports community all while enjoying some delicious light appetizers and beverages.
Sponsored By:
Tuesday, September 14 Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, Grand Ballroom
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CST, Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, Lakeshore Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Networking Breakfast Hour
Enjoy light breakfast and networking as we launch the Conference.
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM CST
Welcome to EsportsNext
Lewis Johnson, American sports commentator and sports reporter, our Board Chair, John Davidson, and ESTA Founder and Managing Director, Megan Van Petten welcome our attendees, panelists, and sponsors to the 4-day conference, as we embark on the journey to get the latest news on the topics covered in the event, participate in various networking sessions, and listen to chosen contenders present their business ideas in our Elevator Pitch competition.
Lewis Johnson
John Davidson
Megan Van Petten
9:05 AM - 9:10 AM CST
Message from our Title Sponsor:
Mason Champion
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM CST
Panel: Women in Esports
Female influencers of the esports industry discuss solutions and opportunities to increase representation and participation in the esports industry.
Moderator:
Speakers:
April Welch
Joanie Kraut
Taryn McCarty
Paige Bonomi
Lagen Nash
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM CST
Panel: Mental Health in Esports: The Science and the Practice
Medical experts and mental health specialists come together to discuss a healthy mindset for all players and gamers.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Josh Otero
John Drozd
Sarah Hill
Austin Smith
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM CST
Networking Break
Visit our sponsors and open-play area while enjoying some hot and cool beverages.
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CST
Panel: Pro Teams and Orgs: Building the Pipeline
Leaders from global teams discuss the unique challenges they face in the esports ecosystem and the steps they are taking to make competitive gaming a viable business.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Charles Conroy
Erik Anderson
Greg Via
Brett Diamond
Gregory Kim
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM CST, Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, Lakeshore Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Networking Lunch
Enjoy some food and more networking during our lunch break.
Sponsored By:
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM CST
Game Changer Award Announcement
The long-awaited Game Changer Award winner will be announced here! Don’t miss out on this exciting announcement celebrating only the best of the best in esports.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM CST
Game Changer Conversation
Enjoy a conversation with Smash Interactive's, Scott Greenberg and partner Chris Lai who have developed SURGE, a $30 million, 108,000-square-foot video gaming facility with a capacity for 1,040 spectators. SURGE is being built in the Bronzeville neighborhood at 2601 S. Wabash Ave near McCormick Place. They will be joining us and sharing what's in store for this esports stadium.
Speakers:
Scott Greenberg
Chris Lai
Cameron Reed
Featuring:
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CST
Elevator Pitch Competition
Do you have an innovative idea, product, service, or social enterprise solution? Do you believe it could be the basis for a successful new start-up in the esports community? Then the ESTA Elevator Pitch Competition is the perfect opportunity to submit your idea for the chance to present it to a crowd of industry professionals. Open to ESTA members and conference attendees only.
Hosts:
Sharon Gill
Judges:
Carlos E. Duque
Paul Dawalibi
Rohan Bose
Dan Bravato
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM CST
Networking Break
Visit our sponsors and open-play area while enjoying some hot and cool beverages.
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM CST
Panel: Brand Partnerships
Partnership professionals from teams, agencies, and brands share their experiences in effectively engaging the esports community and providing value for teams, audiences, and brands.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Ryan Harbinson
Justin Stefanovic
Jenna Johnson
Paul Brewer
James Santore
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM CST
Panel: Collegiate Esports
Panelists discuss the multi-faceted collegiate ecosystem and how schools are operating between amateur and professional esports.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Chris Postell
Donna Walters
Rob Johnson
Joey Gawrysiak
John Cash
5:00 PM - 5:15 PM CST
Elevator Pitch Winner Announcement
The long-awaited Elevator Pitch winner will be announced here! Don’t miss out on this exciting announcement celebrating only the best of the best in esports.
Award Sponsored By:
Winner Presented By:
Carlos E. Duque
Directions to The Wit
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST
ESTA Happy Hour
Join us at one of the finest night clubs in the World, ROOF on The Wit for Happy Hour, as we come together in discussion to share a beverage and stories about you, your experience with our conference, share highlights, ask questions. Take advantage of the opportunity to network, meet your fellow attendees and speakers, discuss the panels you have viewed, and find out more about ESTA!
You've met our esports superheros Scott and Chris from SURGE but did you know they own this place too!
Sponsored By:
Wednesday, September 15 Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, Grand Ballroom
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM CST
Networking Breakfast and Sponsor Presentation
Join us for a morning networking session with a light breakfast including yogurt, fruit, and pastries before we continue the conference. Join our Production Sponsor, Chyron in the Grand Ballroom to see what they are offering to the esports community.
Presented By:
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM CST
ESTA: Celebration And Acknowledgement
Lewis Johnson, American sports commentator, and sports reporter, our Board Chair, John Davidson, and ESTA Founder and Managing Director, Megan Van Petten welcome our attendees, panelists, and sponsors to the last day conference. We are also thrilled to welcome and introduce our partners from World Business Chicago, who will celebrate with us and acknowledge Esports Trade Association for contribution to the esports industry.
Lewis Johnson
John Davidson
Megan VanPetten
Presented By
9:05 AM - 9:20 AM CST
Message from our Production Sponsor:
9:20 AM - 9:30 AM CST
Level-Up Fund: Check Recipient Announcement
Our Level-Up Fund will donate proceeds to one lucky esports nonprofit organization! Don’t miss out on this exciting announcement.
Recipient Presented By:
Rick Starr
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM CST
Research Panel: Current Trends in Esports
Analytical experts dive into the data to discuss the latest trends emerging throughout our industry.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Roger Payne
Ben Paro
Jimmy Baratta
Rebecca de Freitas
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM CST
Panel: Esports and Cities
A conversation with industry professionals who are working with cities around the country creating esports venues and programming from education to entertainment and esports betting. Hear what they’ve learned about the in’s and out’s of successful city/esports partnerships.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Leslie Fitzsimmons
Dustin Sweeney
Anthony Gaud
Wim Stocks
Jeff Cohen
Kyle Schulz
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM CST
Fireside Chat
Speaker:
