2019 PANELS

Opening Remarks
9:30AM - 9:40AM
Esports in Academia: Creating Curriculum & Research
9:40AM - 10:15AM
Is it the right time for your school to get into esports? Hear from those on the frontlines of developing esports programs in academic settings. Featuring discussion from school administrators, industry professionals, and student leaders organizing on a grassroots level - learn strategic approaches to fostering esports programs from their successes and struggles.
Building Future Collegiate Esports Facilities and Technology
10:20AM - 10:55AM
A growing number of colleges like Emerson are diving into esports. Some schools are even starting programs and building million-dollar facilities where gamers take on their counterparts on other campuses. This panel highlights what’s happening with the explosive growth of LAN and gaming centers across America. What is the most effective way for colleges to invest in and deploy these facilities and their technology? Our panel takes a deep dive on the inner workings of the process.
Networking Break
11:00AM - 11:15AM
Women in College Esports: Building and Sustaining a Supportive Culture
11:15AM - 11:50AM
Women are becoming a key demographic in esports as executives, players, and fans. Emerson Esports Professor Stephanie Orme is assembling an excellent panel of women working in the esports industry. Panelists will share their perspectives on working and playing in the industry and offer valuable insight on topics like dealing with online harassment, breaking the glass ceiling, and development of women professional players.
Lunch Break
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Esports Management: Challenges in Managing Esports Teams and Organizations
1:00PM - 1:40PM
Industry insiders from a variety of esports organizations discuss the complexities and challenges of managing their operations, staffs, talent and navigating the esports landscape. Understand what it takes to be successful, how to maintain relationships, and how strategic planning helps these companies thrive.
Esports Leagues on Campus: Deep Dive into the Collegiate Competitive Landscape
1:45PM - 2:20PM
College esports leagues are thriving on college campuses and helping to fill the void in organized competition. As students begin to explore which games to play and what leagues to join several questions, remain: What leagues offer what games for college students and amateur players? What path can students and administration take to join these leagues and participate in national league competitions? How to prepare local players, gaming clubs and administrations to operate and administrate their teams and comply with the league and school regulations? Panelists will discuss all the vital programs, rules, challenges and explore what the future beholds for organized leagues for college students.
Presenting Partner: US Army Esports
2:25PM - 2:45PM
The Player Pipeline: From Amateur to Professional
2:45PM - 3:20PM
Thousands of esports player are currently eligible for high-level competition in the US. Despite esports infrastructure investment approaching the billions and moving at a breakneck pace, player rights and well-being are not in the conversation. How will they protect themselves as colleges begin to formalize their programs and pro teams leverage their assets to disadvantage players? How can college esports players prepare for the pressures of performing at a high level, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and think about their careers after gaming? Industry professionals and insiders will share their insight. The discussion starts here.
Networking Break
3:20AM - 3:35AM
College Esports Event Sponsorships: Creating a Win-Win for Both Sides
3:35PM - 4:10PM
Every esports event or organization is searching for the almighty sponsorship dollar to support all their endeavors. How can a mutually advantageous relationship develop between brands/agencies looking to drive more return on investment for their product or brands and entities looking for sponsorship dollars? Hear from the experts.
Esports Broadcasting: The Future of Collegiate Esports Media and Broadcasting
4:15PM - 4:50PM
Video game publishers, esports leagues, venues, and live-streaming services are creating an entirely new paradigm for live esports production and storytelling. What does the future hold for content creation, production and distribution for the collegiate esports space?
College Esports Programs: Finding a Home on Campus
4:55PM - 5:20PM
How do you build an esports program at your university? How do you get students interested in your club, courses, program, and teams? This panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities around building an esports ecosystem for your own institution, including information on how clubs nationwide are partnering to enable one another.
CEX Awards 2019 - Closing Remarks
5:25PM - 5:50PM
Panelist Announcements Coming Soon