Welcome to CEX 2023! Vendor space is open for business. Quick networking time.

College Esports Expo Kickoff-  The CEX Executive Team makes introductions to kick off the festivities for the 4th Annual Conference. 

Nate Berends is a highly skilled technical producer with extensive experience in the field of live events and production. As a keynote speaker, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in managing complex technical setups and delivering seamless productions. Nate has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and has a reputation for delivering exceptional results, even under the most challenging circumstances. 

Live esports competitions have been held in stadiums, arenas, and convention centers around the world for the past 10 years. In Esports, the game is broadcast to an online audience while live competitions take place in live venues. We’re shifting from a culture of passive consumption to an engaged, active, and socially driven gaming experience. Many institutions do not have the budget to build a dedicated esports facility or room. Gaming center operators and esports directors discuss venue operations, infrastructure, and programming practices that define one of the fastest-growing segments of location-based entertainment as it begins to emerge on college campuses.

The "Twitch Monetization: Opportunities and Challenges for Collegiate Esports" panel at the College Esports Expo will delve into the topic of monetizing content on Twitch for collegiate esports creators. The panel will feature industry experts who will share their insights on the challenges and opportunities collegiate esports creators face when monetizing their Twitch content. The discussion will cover topics such as building followers, maximizing earnings, and navigating the unique challenges of the collegiate esports landscape. Strategies for creating a unique, consistent, and authentic personal brand and approaches for leveraging Twitch infrastructure will also be presented. The panel will explore the possibilities of involving educational resources and university support to aid in content monetization. Attendees can expect to receive valuable insights and practical tips for collegiate esports creators aiming to build a successful career in Twitch monetization.

Gaming and esports researcher and Board Member for the Esports Research Network, Dr. Stephanie Orme, shares insights from an ERN collaborative study examining issues about the long-term survival of the esports industry. In this panel, Dr. Orme will share insights derived from workshops with academics and industry workers regarding what they saw as critical issues surrounding esports' sustainability, including health and wellness, business logic, and industry structure. This panel is designed to spark dialogue about practical measures for ensuring the longevity of esports as a career path for our students.

Technology constantly evolves and plays an increasingly important role in shaping the future of competitive college esports. This panel will bring together college esports and technology experts, including industry professionals, to discuss how technology impacts the competitive landscape of college esports. In the panel, new companies will be showcased that are helping to power the esports ecosystem, enabling high-quality competitions and changing the way we play and watch.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the significance of coaching in the development of esports athletes, featuring professional coaches from Cloud 9 Training Grounds and FItGMR - Kevin Tay and PJ Bannon. Coaching is an essential factor for success in esports, from strategy and teamwork to mental conditioning and physical health.

During this panel, you will gain valuable insights into how coaches can support and empower esports athletes, as well as learn how to pursue a career in coaching. Kevin, a former professional CS player, transitioned into Valorant and has already helped over 250 students enhance their skills. Meanwhile, PJ, the author of the book "Esports Fundamentals: A Beginner's Guide," brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in esports coaching to the discussion.

Whether you're an esports player seeking to improve your game or a coach looking to make a difference, this panel is a must-attend. Join us to discover how you can take advantage of the latest coaching techniques and strategies to elevate your esports career.

Join Dr. Dina Gentile, Professor of Sport Management & Esports Management at Endicott College and author of "Introduction to Esports Management," for an informative and interactive panel discussion on "Building an Introduction to Esports Management Course." Discover essential topics such as course design, activities, case studies, and assignments that can help students engage with esports management concepts and practices. Gain valuable knowledge on how to develop an esports management curriculum that will prepare students for success in this rapidly growing industry. Ideal for educators and trainers, this session offers insights on creating an engaging and effective esports management course.

Attendees break for lunch. Please return back by 12:55 pm to resume the conference 

The College Esports Expo 2023 is committed to promoting mental health and wellness in the gaming community, countering the stereotype of unhealthy snacks and soft drinks. Join us to learn from the latest and greatest minds in esports wellness. This year, we're thrilled to present Hector Melendez, CSCS, founder of Road to Strength Training, and Dr. Tom Czyz, an optometrist, and consultant for Johnson & Johnson.

Hector's philosophy focuses on increasing human performance while reducing the risk of injury and keeping clients healthy while helping them achieve their goals. Meanwhile, Dr. Tom Czyz has developed coursework on "Gaming, Esports & Vision," which explores how blue light, eye health, and circadian rhythm impact gamers. Together, they will share the latest advancements in wellness for the competitive gaming industry, covering topics like nutrition, exercise, and vision. This panel will offer practical tips and actionable insights to help you prioritize your mental and physical health while pursuing your esports dreams.

Join the CEI Esports team at the College Esports Expo 2023 for a panel on "Key Pillars for Esports & Academic Success," where panelists Jadd Schmeltzer, Johnnie Singleton, and Joel Otero Jr will discuss their innovative approaches to esports education. Learn about building a grassroots foundation, creating a gaming lab, and hosting events that connect students and their families. Additionally, explore strategies for curating content that appeals to local political figures and change makers. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the essential elements for successfully integrating esports into an academic setting. 

Don't miss this engaging panel discussion featuring two trailblazing students from the groundbreaking esports graduate program at the University of New Haven. Hear their inspiring stories as they share insights into their academic journey and how it has shaped their skills, perspectives, and passion for the industry. 

Learn how the University of New Haven's innovative program has equipped these students with the knowledge, tools, and experiences necessary to excel in the dynamic world of esports and gaming careers. Additionally, explore the impact of their education on their personal growth and development, preparing them for an ever-evolving landscape filled with exciting opportunities. Join us to celebrate the achievements of these pioneering students and the future of esports education!

This panel is an opportunity to learn about the unique challenges and experiences of marginalized communities in esports. Attendees will gain insight into how to create a more inclusive and diverse esports industry, and learn practical strategies for building an inclusive and supportive community. Our guest speakers will offer valuable advice on how to overcome barriers to entry, as well as tips on how to excel in a competitive industry. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to connect with other members of marginalized communities in esports, and build meaningful relationships that can support their growth and development in the industry. Furthermore, this panel is an ideal place for allies to learn how to support and uplift marginalized groups in esports. By learning from the experiences of marginalized individuals in the industry, allies can gain a better understanding of the issues faced by these communities and how to be an effective ally. Allies are encouraged to attend this panel and participate in discussions to foster a culture of inclusion and respect within the esports community. By working together, we can create a more equitable and supportive esports industry that benefits everyone involved.

The networking session at the College Esports Expo 2023 is an opportunity for attendees to connect with industry professionals, college representatives, and fellow gamers. This session will provide a platform for attendees to expand their professional network, learn about job and internship opportunities, and gain insight into the esports industry. Attendees will have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with experts in the field, exchange business cards, and make valuable connections. 

The panel will dive into the incredible success story of the National Esports Collegiate Conference. Founded in 2020, the NECC has quickly become one of the most popular esports leagues in the world, boasting over 390 member schools and seven different esports titles. With an expansion to Canada and a commitment to supporting their member schools, the NECC is poised to reshape the collegiate esports landscape and dominate for years to come. Attendees will hear from conference founders as they share the story of their meteoric rise and the philosophy behind their approach to providing a quality experience for their members. This is a must-attend panel for anyone interested in the future of collegiate esports and the impact of the NECC on the industry.

This panel at the College Esports Expo will explore strategies and best practices for building successful esports programs in colleges and universities. Industry experts and leaders in collegiate esports will share their experiences and insights on building a competitive and sustainable esports program. Topics covered will include program development, team management, tournament organization, facilities and equipment, and more. This panel will provide valuable information for college administrators, coaches, and students who are interested in building the next powerhouse esports program. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the key components of a successful collegiate esports program and how they can implement them in their own schools.  

The value of esports in education lies in its relevance to students and ability to meet them where they are. For educators to effectively use gaming as a learning tool, it is essential to understand best practices, techniques, and learning objectives. Join us for an open discussion on esports education, led by a group of leading collegiate esports educators

Live streaming is an essential aspect of the esports industry, and it's crucial to have the right equipment, monetization strategies, and quality shoutcasting, color commentary, and analysis to make your stream stand out. This panel will discuss the best practices for live-streaming esports tournaments, including tips on the equipment you'll need to get started and the most effective ways to monetize your channel. We'll also delve into the importance of having skilled shoutcasters, color commentators, and analysts to enhance the viewing experience and how to make your stream more engaging and interactive. Join us to learn how to take your streaming game to the next level and help drive the growth of esports in the college scene

The "Coaching Meet-Up" at the College Esports Expo is a unique opportunity for coaches, esports directors, players, and industry experts to network and exchange ideas. The session will provide a platform for attendees to connect and build relationships, discuss the latest trends and challenges in collegiate esports, and explore new coaching and training techniques. The Coaching Meet-Up promises to be a lively and engaging event, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the world of collegiate esports

Join us for an exciting Educators Meetup at the annual College Esports Expo, where educators, coaches, administrators, and innovators gather to share knowledge, network, and collaborate in the rapidly evolving world of esports education. This meetup is specifically designed for educators who are passionate about incorporating esports into their curricula, fostering competitive gaming on campus, and equipping the next generation of esports professionals with the skills they need to excel.

Conference chairs make final acknowledgments and close out CEX 2023.

Join us for an exciting networking session during the College Esports Expo 2023! This session is designed to connect attendees with industry professionals, fellow gamers, and leaders in the esports community. Whether you're a college student, a professional looking to break into the esports industry, or just a passionate gamer, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make valuable contacts. The session will include a mix of structured networking and informal mingling, as well as opportunities for attendees to share their experience and learn from others. Don't miss this chance to expand your network and take your esports career to the next level!