Inclusive by Design: Rethinking Diversity and Accessibility in Esports Events
Inclusion in esports goes beyond opening the door. It requires intentional design. This session explores how event organizers can actively create competitive spaces for underrepresented groups, with actionable insights drawn from the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival initiative focused on women in gaming.
Presenter: Tiago Fernandes/Grow uP Esports

Enhancing Engagement: How Esports and AV Technology Transform Experiences
Educators embrace esports to foster SEL, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creativity. Whether a dedicated facility or adapted learning space, institutions are investing in audiovisual systems and infrastructure to empower learners and improve outcomes. Discover the range of AV technologies and strategies to create scalable and intuitive systems that are tailored to your program and meet key requirements of gameplay, coaching, spectating, and streaming.
Presenter: Lucas Hayworth/Extron

Meaningful Esports Events on a Small Scale
Your destination doesn’t need a 20,000-seat arena to host esports. Some of the most impactful events are being staged in small- and mid-sized cities around the country. Learn how some esports event organizers are leaning into different-sized events in venues that may surprise you. In this session, hear about how the right mindset can help you take advantage of events in whatever venues your destination has available.
Presenter: Evan Cameron/Rally Cry

Engaging University Students to Help With Your Events
Esports events can be organized by large production companies or organizations. But they can also be run by university students who are learning the tricks of the trade and preparing themselves for future careers in the industry. Hear how destinations have engaged with universities to help launch events, and how you can build a relationship with collegiate programs to everyone’s benefit.
Presenter: Sean Kelly/Syracuse University