2023 Agenda
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 pm CST
Registration Opens for Check-in
Come pick up your badge and welcome packet and learn about things to do around Chicago!
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm CST
ESTA Member Townhall
ESTA Members, we invite you to share your ideas on how ESTA can best serve our industry in 2024.
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm CST
Elevator Pitch Check-in
Come check in and learn more about the Elevator Pitch Competition pre-events such as the Quick Pitch and Pitch Workshop.
Time: 3:15 - 3:30 pm CST
Welcome to EsportsNext
Our Board Chair, John Davidson, ESTA Founder, Megan Van Petten, welcome our attendees, panelists, and sponsors to the 2-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.
Time: 3:30 - 4:15 pm CST
Panel: Esports Executives
Time: 4:15 - 5:15 pm CST
Speed Networking
Identify and connect with potential clients and partners for your business.
Time: 5:30 - 6:00 pm CST
Quick Pitch
Are you signed up for the ESTA 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 Wednesday's competition!
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 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.
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 am CST
Networking Breakfast Hour
Enjoy light breakfast and networking as we launch the Conference.
Time: 9:00 - 9:05 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
Panel: Esports Industry Trends
Time: 10:00 - 10:45 am CST
Panel: Future of Esports: Gaming, Metaverse, & More
Time: 10:45 - 11:00 am CST
Networking Break
Visit our sponsors while enjoying some hot and cool beverages and open-play area.
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 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.
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm CST
Networking Lunch & Awards Presentation
Time: 1:00 - 1:45 pm CST
Panel: Scholastic Esports
Time: 1:45 - 2:30 pm CST
Fireside Chat
Time: 2:30 - 3:00 pm CST
Networking Break
Time: 3:00 - 3:45 pm CST
Panel Session
Time: 3:45 - 4:00 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.
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm CST
ESTA Happy Hour
Join us at one of the finest night clubs in the World, ROOF on theWit 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!