2023 AGENDA
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 pm CST
Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals @ Wrigley Rooftops
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of networking, fun, and baseball! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with your industry peers and make lasting business relationships while enjoying the thrill of a Chicago Cubs game. Watch the game in one of the many social areas, incuding an air-conditioned bar, open-air shaded seating, stadium seats for an up-close view of the game, or the sundeck with stunning views of the city skyline. Tickets are not guaranteed and are on a first come first serve basis, limited tickets are available. This off-site event is not included in the conference ticket.
Monday, August 21, 2023
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST
Check-in Opens
Pick up your badge and welcome packet, and learn about things to do around Chicago!
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am CST
Coffee Connections
Come network and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Join us for a morning of caffeine and camaraderie!
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 am CST
Member Townhall
Esports Trade Association Members, we invite you to share your ideas on how we can best serve our industry in 2024. This open forum is the place for questions, suggestions, and discussion on all things Esports Trade Association and how we can best serve our members.
Time: 11:30 - 1:30 pm CST
Network and Explore in the Expo Hall
Connect with professionals and expand your network while exploring our Expo Hall. Check out booths with products, ideas, and more from around the gaming and esports industry while building relationships with fellow attendees.
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm CST
Meet the Committees
Connect with committee chairs to discuss how and where you can get directly involved.
Time: 2:30 - 2:45 pm CST
Welcome to EsportsNext
Esports Trade Association Leaders John Davidson and Megan Van Petten welcome guests to EsportsNext 2023.
Time: 2:45 - 3:30 pm CST
Local Impact of Esports and Gaming
Esports community leaders from around Chicago share insights on how to engage youth in your community with the right games, how to structure events and include sponsors in effective ways. This is an opportunity to learn how esports and gaming have grown right at home in the Midwest!
Time: 3:30 - 4:00 pm CST
Quick Pitch Competition
Miss your chance to register for the Elevator Pitch? Fear not, the Quick Pitch Competition is here to save the day. Event attendees will be able to participate on the spot in this event for the chance to compete in Tuesday's competition. Two lucky winners will be featured in the Elevator Pitch Competition. This is the perfect opportunity to highlight your idea in front of a live audience.
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm CST
Meet the Experts
Join us for an opportunity to meet and learn from industry experts in our "Meet the Experts" event. During this event, attendees will have the chance to sit down with 2-3 experts in a small group setting and ask them questions about their field. There will be three 15-20 minute rounds of discussions with the experts, allowing attendees to visit multiple tables. Gain valuable insights and knowledge from some of the most experienced professionals in the industry.
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 pm CST
Purposeful Speed Networking
Identify and connect with potential clients and partners for your business. This networking session will feature different groups for participants to choose from: one for job seekers/employers, and another for B2B networking from endemic and non-endemic businesses.
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm CST
Networking Reception
Connect and compete with your fellow attendees and exhibitors for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, with a side of networking in the esports and gaming industry.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 am CST
Coffee Connections
Come network and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Join us for a morning of caffeine and camaraderie!
Time: 9:00 - 9:15 am CST
Welcome to EsportsNext
Join us for the main day of programming at EsportsNext.
Time: 9:15 - 10:00 am CST
Exploring the U.S. Esports Market
In a presentation backed by data uniquely collected for the EsportsNext audience, Leger will give a comprehensive overview on the state of the U.S. Esports market and the size and demographics of the current consumer landscape. Leger will also highlight key trends, and note commercial growth opportunities within the industry.
Time: 10:00 - 10:45 am CST
Fireside Chat: A Deep Dive into Fortnite Creative
Epic Games and 404 Studios share the broad opportunities provided by Fortnite Creative from scholastic to brand integrations.
Time: 11:00 - 12:00 pm CST
Elevator Pitch Competition
Do you have an innovative idea, product, service, or social enterprise solution? Are you looking to grow and scale your business in the esports industry? Then the 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 Esports Trade Associaton members and conference attendees.
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm CST
Awards Luncheon
We're highlighting the best in the industry, from ESTA Members who have had an impact, to the leading companies in gaming and esports. Join us for a celebration of community at this B2B Awards Luncheon!
Time: 1:15 - 2:00 pm CST
Powering Up: Leveraging Marketing and Partnerships in Gaming
Our panelists will explore the latest trends, strategies, and best practices for success in the fast-evolving world of gaming sponsorships and partnerships. From developing effective marketing campaigns to building strong relationships with sponsors and partners, our panelists will share their insights and experiences on what it takes to succeed in the competitive gaming industry.
Time: 2:00 - 2:30 pm CST
Pecha Kucha Presentations
We're spicing it up with Pecha Kucha presentations! Each speaker will go through 20 slides, with each slide explained in 20 seconds or less. This is followed by a short Q&A session. These snappy presentations will be a way to cover events and tournaments, mental health, and much, much more while keeping guests on their feet and engaged.
Time: 2:45 - 3:30 pm CST
The Opportunity in Scholastic Esports
We've seen a huge interest in scholastic esports, and involvement from some of the biggest companies in the world. Our panelists, including educators and industry professionals, will share their perspectives on the potential benefits of scholastic esports, from improving academic performance to boosting student engagement. What are the challenges and opportunities to bringing esports into schools, and why are companies looking to support these programs?
Time: 3:30 - 4:15 pm CST
OWL and Collective Bargaining
Leadership from professional Overwatch League teams share their experiences as members of the League as well as the opportunities and challenges for geographically located esports franchises.
Time: 4:15 - 4:30 pm CST
Closing Remarks
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 pm CST
Happy Hour
Join us 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 the Esports Trade Association!