Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals @ Wrigley Rooftops

Location: 3637 N Sheffield Ave (btw Addison & Waveland), Chicago, 60613

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, including 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.

Game starts at 1:20 pm CDT and ticket is all-inclusive of food and drinks. Check out the menu:

Wrigley Rooftop Menu

Brought to you by:

Hosted by James Hess, ESTA Membership Committee Chair

Connect and engage with your ESTA community during this exclusive member morning. Not an ESTA member yet? Join today!

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Check-in Opens

Location: Art Gallery

Pick up your badge and welcome packet, and learn about things to do around Chicago! Enjoy our gaming space by Coca-Cola and sign up for a Mario Kart Tournament at check-in.

We invite you to also pop by our podcast booth to highlight yourself and your company alongside our guest hosts!

Coffee Connections

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Come network and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Join us for a morning of caffeine and camaraderie! Brought to you by:

Meet the Committees

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Connect with committee chairs to discuss how and where you can get directly involved.

About ESTA's Committees

Join a Committee

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Member Townhall

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

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. To best prepare for the meeting onsite, please submit your feedback ahead of time!

Meet the Chapters

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Meet the Esports Trade Association Chapters and its members. Join us as we provide the opportunity to meet, learn, grow, and enhance the local esports community and grow business in your local area.

Join a Chapter!

Can't find your chapter? Start a Chapter in your area today!

Start a Chapter!

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Welcome to EsportsNext

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Kyle Schulz with World Business Chicago, John Davidson, Chair of Esports Trade Association, and Megan Van Petten, Founder of Esports Trade Association welcome guests to EsportsNext 2023.

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State of the Industry

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest industry trends, highlighting key advancements, challenges, and opportunities that shape the dynamic world of esports and gaming.

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Local Impact of Esports and Gaming - "Think globally, act locally"

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Esports community leaders from around the US (and a special guest from Sri Lanka) 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 and the similarities around the world!

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Quick Pitch Competition

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Give a 90-second pitch on your business for an opportunity to be featured in Tuesday’s Elevator Pitch Competition! Event attendees will be able to participate on the spot in front of the EsportsNext live audience. Register for the Quick Pitch at Check-In! Brought to you by:


About Vela Wood

Meet the Experts

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Gain direct access to industry leaders! Join us for an opportunity to meet and learn from industry authorities 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, allowing attendees to visit multiple tables.

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Purposeful Speed Networking

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

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. Brought to you by:

Networking Reception

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

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. Join in on our jeopardy game and Mario Kart tournament!

Experience Coca-Cola Gaming House! Come explore this top-tier esports activation, currently on-site at Six Flags theme parks across the country, to play and compete in your favorite games between panels and networking. Brought to you by:

After Hours Networking

Location: FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar - Upstairs at the Radisson Blu

Keep connecting with your new esports friends while enjoying complimentary farm-to-table charcuterie. And stay for the game trivia with prizes! Steps away from the Atlantic Ballroom at the Radisson Blu hotel!

Hosted by John Davidson, ESTA Chair and Lindsay Poss, ESTA Events Committee Chair

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Coffee Connections

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Come network and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Join us for a morning of caffeine and camaraderie!

Welcome to EsportsNext

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Join us for the main day of programming at EsportsNext.

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Exploring the U.S. Esports Market

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

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. Brought to you by:

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Fireside Chat: A Deep Dive into Fortnite Creative

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Epic Games and 404 Studios share the broad opportunities provided by Fortnite Creative from scholastic to brand integrations.

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Pecha Kucha Presentations

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Take a refreshing break and indulge in watching Pecha Kucha video presentations covering a wide range of topics – from events and tournaments to mental health!

Visit our podcast booth in the Art Gallery to record a highlight reel of your attendance at EsportsNext 2023 as you take a stretch break to explore the space!

Entrepreneurship Panel and Elevator Pitch Competition

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Join us for a conversation with entrepreneurial experts AND a Shark Tank style pitch competition. Hear from our judges about their own experiences in growing startups in the space, and see them provide feedback in real time to new companies in our ecosystem. For those interested in pitching: 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 Association members and conference attendees. Brought to you by:

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Awards Luncheon

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

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! Brought to you by:

Powering Up: Leveraging Marketing and Partnerships in Gaming

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

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.

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The Opportunity in Scholastic Esports

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

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?

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Pecha Kucha Presentations

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

Take a refreshing break and indulge in watching Pecha Kucha video presentations covering a wide range of topics – from events and tournaments to mental health!

Visit our podcast booth in the Art Gallery to record a highlight reel of your attendance at EsportsNext 2023 as you take a stretch break to explore the space!

OWL and Collective Bargaining

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

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.

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ESTA Hall of Fame Induction

Location: Atlantic Ballroom

The ESTA Hall of Fame Award is a prestigious honor that celebrates the outstanding individuals whose remarkable contributions have shaped the esports and gaming landscape. Each year, candidates for induction into the Hall of Fame are carefully selected based on their profound impact and dedication to advancing the industry.

Join Charles in supporting the Extra Life program at Lurie Children's Hospital Chicago. Let's reach our donation goal during EsportsNext 2023!

Donate today!

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Closing Reception

Location: The Albert, 228 E Ontario St Floor 1, Chicago, 60611

Join us at The Albert for a champagne toast to Charles and a celebration of esports in Chicago. Hors d’ooeuvres will be served. Share stories with other attendees about you, your experience at the conference, and have some fun! Brought to you by: