Esports Insider is teaming up with the University of Warwick to host ESI Next Gen, a one-and-a-half day conference with networking and insights over March 22nd-23rd, 2023 at the University’s Esports Centre.
Esports Insider and the University of Warwick have crafted ESI Next Gen to unite leaders across the esports, video games and education sectors. There’ll be ample industry-related and education-focused content, as well as extensive networking opportunities.
The first-of-its-kind specialist conference will take place on Thursday 23rd March and bring together leaders from universities and colleges from across the UK and beyond, alongside those from both the esports and games industries. This includes game developers, publishers, esports teams, tournament operators, education sector service providers, and regional government all under one roof, right on the doorstep of one of the UK’s largest creative clusters.
The University of Warwick’s industry network, ‘Creative Futures’, supports the region’s large creative cluster which plays host to a number of major computer games studios, including EA, Ubisoft Reflections, Playground Games, SEGA HARDlight and Sumo Digital. 50 of these active games companies are based in Coventry & Warwickshire, with two-thirds based in and around Leamington, one-third in Coventry, and a further 80 in the wider West Midlands area.
ESI Next Gen will feature three main tracks which will feature talks on the main stage and a series of workshops for higher education staff and students too. These themes will cover leadership across esports and games education, tackling the challenges of curriculum design, graduate destinations, policy and sector growth.
Sam Cooke, Managing Director and Founder at ESI, commented: “We are really excited to be working with the University of Warwick, for Esports Insider’s first foray into an education-oriented event. At ESI Next Gen we’ll be able to exhibit, discuss, and workshop how the industry can work with educators to support the next generation of talent.”
The event will kick off with an evening reception on 22nd March 2023, allowing attendees to register early and network in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Following the reception, there will be a ‘Networking Tournament’ for delegates to come and play, or just sit back and watch, at the Esports Centre.
ESI Next Gen strives to help and build wider and stronger connections and a deeper understanding across and within these industries. Espeically as esports and games continue to integrate more into education, both curricular and extra-curricular.
Jack Fenton, Head of Esports at University of Warwick added: “This is an ambitious project that we’re lucky to be pioneering with ESI. With Warwick University working across research, education, industry engagement, skills development and youth programmes, we are excited to host a truly open, honest, and collaborative event.
“Bringing together leaders across esports, games, and education all at once will make for an incredible opportunity for all attendees to gain crucial insight into how we can work together to level up the UK in this sector.”
Tickets are available now here, including student, group and full passes with option for inclusive accommodation. For a limited time only, use code ‘ESINEXTGEN’ for 20% off the full pass. Offer expires on 26th December 2022, 23:59 GMT.
