2023 AGENDA
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 pm CST
Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals @ Wrigley Rooftops
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. 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: 1:30 - 5:00 pm CST
Check-in Opens
Pick up your badge and welcome packet, and learn about things to do around Chicago!
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm CST
ESTA Member Townhall
ESTA Members, we invite you to share your ideas on how ESTA can best serve our industry in 2024. This open forum is the place for questions, suggestions, and discussion on all things ESTA and how we can best serve our members.
Time: 3:00 - 3:15 pm CST
Welcome from the Chair
Our Board Chair, John Davidson, ESTA Founder, Megan Van Petten, welcome our attendees, panelists, and sponsors to the 2-day conference, as we cover 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 Open Mic Elevator Pitch competition.
Time: 3:15 - 4:00 pm CST
The State of Esports and Gaming
Hear from a leading esports analytics company on trends from 2023 and predictions for the industry in 2024.
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 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: 5:00 - 5:30 pm CST
Quick Pitch
Are you signed up for the ESTA Open Mic Elevator Pitch Competition? This is the perfect opportunity to highlight your idea in front of a live audience. One lucky wild card winner will be chosen to present on Tuesday's competition!
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm CST
Committee Sessions
Our Education, Research & Data, and Regulation Committees will host sessions focusing on their respective missions. Guests will have the options to choose which event to attend.
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm CST
Welcome Networking Reception
Join 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
Networking Breakfast Hour
Enjoy light breakfast and networking as we launch the Conference.
Time: 9:00 - 9:15 am CST
EsportsNext Introductions
Our Board Chair, John Davidson, ESTA Founder, Megan Van Petten welcome our attendees, panelists, and sponsors.
Time: 9:15 - 10:00 am CST
Business Outlook on Esports and Gaming
Join us for a discussion on investment and the financial state of the industry, as well as an outlook on the Metaverse and how web3 developments may impact the esports and gaming industries.
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am CST
Panel: The View from Game Developers
Hear from game developers on what challenges and successes are facing game launches. Learn about trends from players, how diversity and inclusion initiatives are being implemented in gaming, new marketing techniques, and more.
Time: 11:00 - 12:00 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: 12:00 - 12:45 pm CST
Lunch and Networking Break
Time: 12:45 am - 1:45 pm CST
Open Mic 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 Open Mic 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.
Time: 1:45 - 2:45 pm CST
Panel: 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. What are the challenges and opportunities to bringing esports into schools, and why are companies looking to support these programs?
Time: 2:45 - 3:45 pm CST
Panel: Team Leadership in Esports
Join us to hear from team executives from around the esports industry. Panelists will discuss the different aspects of running an esports team, and 2024 team goals.
Time: 3:45 - 4:30 pm CST
Awards Presentation
We will be announcing our Open Mic Elevator Pitch Competition winner, as well as the winners for Game Changer of the year and Member of the Year.
Time: 4:30 - 5:00 pm CST
Closing Remarks
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm CST
ESTA 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 ESTA!