Special Virtual Event Esports & Education Virtual Conference 2024

Presented By

  • AV Technology
  • NACE
  • NASEF
  • Systems Contractor News
  • Tech & Learning

About This Virtual Event

AV Technology, Systems Contractor News, and Tech & Learning are hosting this one-day virtual conference alongside event partners the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF).

Designed for esports decision-makers from K-12, higher education, and pro AV/IT professionals, these engaging and informative sessions explore key trends, planning a program, the software, hardware, and infrastructure needed, engaging the audience, and creating great experiences in esports and education. This event will provide in-depth insight into the benefits of esports to students and schools and how you can implement a program.

What You'll Learn

  1. How to develop a high-quality esports program
  2. Hear from your peers on how they are introducing esports into their schools
  3. Understand the elements of esports and technology ecosystem

Full Agenda

  1. Welcoming Remarks

    Cindy Davis
    Cindy Davis Webinar Moderator & Content Director AV Technology
    Mark J. Pescatore
    Mark J. Pescatore Content Director Systems Contractor News
  2. Esports is Quickly Evolving - Here's What You Need to Know

    Michael Brooks
    Michael Brooks Executive Director NACE
    Myra Davis
    Myra Davis Head Coach Keyano College
    Zack Dodge
    Zack Dodge Supervisor, Esports Operations Conestoga College
    Lucas Hayworth
    Lucas Hayworth Director of Esports Oklahoma Christian University
    Charles Spencer
    Charles Spencer Assistant Director of Esports and Competitive Activities Capitol Technology University

    Collegiate esports is quickly maturing. Learn what changes are ahead and what you need to know to run a quality esports program. This panel discusses what's next in esports, and how new programs can take advantage of progress already made and where resources can be found.

  3. Esports Broadcasting: Building and Engaging an Audience

    Ian Burnett
    Ian Burnett Assistant Coordinator of Esports Productions Shenandoah University
    Brendan Hall
    Brendan Hall M. Ed. - Esports Coordinator Endicott College
    Norman Reid
    Norman Reid Program Manager Kennesaw State University
    Dylan Wray
    Dylan Wray Director of Esports University of North Texas

    As esports continues to grow into a global phenomenon, university broadcasters/shoutcasters are tasked with capturing and engaging a diverse, tech-savvy audience. The panel will dive into the unique challenges of esports broadcasting, from cameras to infrastructure. Industry experts will share insights on audience-building strategies, utilizing platforms like Twitch and YouTube, fostering community engagement, and enhancing viewer experiences through interactive tools and real-time analytics. Perfect for anyone looking to thrive in the dynamic world of esports broadcasting.

  4. Esports Tech Talk | Technical Challenges and Solutions for Esports Events

    To Be Announced
    To Be Announced Extron
  5. Anatomy of an Esports Program in 2025: Planning, Infrastructure, Software, Hardware to Streaming

    Mark J. Pescatore
    Mark J. Pescatore Content Director Systems Contractor News

    Esports has graduated to the next level. This expert panel explores the full gamut from infrastructure, signal distribution and the technologies needed to equip a university or K-12 esports program. Projectors, consoles, PCs, broadcast equipment, screens, virtual reality, web cameras, interactive whiteboards, keyboards, mice, headsets, and more are needed in these spaces. Understand the YouTube and Twitch streaming ecosystem.

  6. Tournaments: How the Students Make It All Happen

    Claire LaBeaux
    Claire LaBeaux Chief Advancement Officer NASEF
    James Wood
    James Wood Tournament Organizer NASEF
    Wyatt Cole
    Wyatt Cole Director of Support Operations PlayVS Competitive Platform

    Hosting a tournament is an ideal way to help ALL the students in your esports club to develop useful career skills - while they're having fun! This session will cover the full picture of tournament organizing, including choosing titles, setting up the tech, streaming, and more. Make your esports tournament a place for students to shine!

  7. Build Community Through Esports

    Jihan Johnston-McGlotten
    Jihan Johnston-McGlotten Esports Education Specialist NASEF
    Jordan Wissinger
    Jordan Wissinger Instructional Technology Coach Hartford Public Schools
    Tarrin Morgan
    Tarrin Morgan Director of Marketing & Digital Engagement, Founding Esports Director Morgan State University

    Esports is proving to be a powerful tool for fostering community and inclusivity among students. This session will share current research demonstrating how building community through scholastic esports leads to improved grades, attendance, and more. Learn how to follow NASEF's model to leverage scholastic esports to build strong, supportive communities. By engaging in esports, students not only form meaningful relationships but also prepare for college and explore various career pathways within the esports industry.

  8. Esports Tech Talk | Technical Challenges and Solutions for Esports Events

    To Be Announced
    To Be Announced
  9. Closing Remarks

    Cindy Davis
    Cindy Davis Webinar Moderator & Content Director AV Technology
    Mark J. Pescatore
    Mark J. Pescatore Content Director Systems Contractor News