KINBER is proud to present an Esports Community Discussion made possible through partnership with the Michigan Research and Education network, Merit. The Esports community conversation is convening to discuss the exciting and dynamic growth of esports in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Pennsylvania participation is available at Lackawanna College in Scranton, PA for individuals in Pennsylvania to participate in this live event.
The rapidly growing esports phenomenon is a multi-billion dollar global industry. According to a report from Newzoo, there were approximately 380 million esports viewers in 2018, and that's expected to surge to roughly 557 million viewers by 2021. According to Gartner, collegiate esports is now a Top 10 business trend impacting higher ed in 2019. With popularity growing exponentially, esports are proving to be a fantastic opportunity for student recruitment and engagement, STEM education, and a gateway into technology careers.
The event will be a mixture of community/industry presentations, guided discussions, peer-to-peer networking, and finding projects of mutual interest to collaborate on. Pennsylvania attendees will have an opportunity to tour the Lackawanna esport facility.
There is no cost for this event but space is limited please register now!
Register by Nov. 1, 2019 to reserve your spot!
Agenda:
10:00 - 10:15 AM: Welcome and introductions
10:15 - 11:15 AM: TBD
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Esports 101 - Getting started in esports (Scott Puckett, WMU)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch break
1:00 - 1:45 PM: Lackawanna College Esports Presentation (Teddy Delaney, Lackawanna College)
1:45 - 2:30 PM: Industry Perspectives on Esports
2:30 - 3:00 PM: WMU’s Esports Club - Student president of WMU’s esports club team
3:00 - 3:30 PM: Local Breakouts
Michigan Esports arena demonstration Match with WMU’s AV team and shoutcasters!
Lackawanna College Esports facility tour and demonstration
3:30 - 4:00 PM: Next steps and Community action items - discuss and finalize:
- Action items that came out of today’s session
- Community of Practice concept
- Network optimization
- Other ideas
