ABOUT ESI NEW YORK
ESI New York provides everything you need to learn from the best, discuss your projects and ideas, and find the right partners.
200+ Delegates
30+ Leading industry speakers
5 Engaging panel sessions
4 Roundtables
One on one matchmaking opportunities
1 extravagant networking after-party
We will have the best in class speakers and the most engaging and thought-provoking agenda of esports conferences in 2019.
OVERVIEW
23 April 2019
Exhibition and Agenda
A full day of interactive and debate worthy sessions including:
- From ‘basement dwellers’ to global superstars: the ever-changing perception and responsibilities of top esports players
- The Fighting Game Community and esports: a rocky relationship
- There’s no place like home: creating the perfect esports venue
- Marketing in esports, the past, present and future
- Investment in esports: Show me the money
- The current state, and future of collegiate esports
- The Esports Chamber 101
- Data: the commercial opportunity
- Publishers and teams: creating the perfect ecosystem
200+
Delegates
30
Top Industry
Speakers
30+
Countries
Represented
15+
Media
Outlets
30
Esports & Sports Team
Representatives
25+
Brands
Who attends
- Esports organisations30%
- Suppliers & Service Providers30%
- Media15%
- Sports Clubs & Leagues10%
- Regulatory bodies, Betting companies and others10%
- VCs & Investors5%
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
ESI New York is a must attend event for anyone interested in or currently doing business in esports around the world.
A one day jam-packed conference with panels worth listening to, people and companies worth meeting and rooftop networking drinks worth drinking .
We ensure attendees get value for money with an interesting and thoroughly curated agenda; there’ll be panels throughout the morning and an afternoon focused on round-tables and networking post-lunch. We’ll close off with networking drinks on the Tribeca Rooftop and then an official after-party at the renowned 40/40 Club.
ESI New York will span two days in total with breakfast meetings to follow the conference on the morning of April 24th.
Sessions will cover topics such as the ever-changing perception of pro players and the repercussions of this, the current state and potential of the fighting games community, esports venues, marketing developments, the repeal of PASPA, collegiate esports and more.
WHY YOU SHOULD SPONSOR
ESI New York opens the doors to the somewhat elusive esports world while simultaneously capturing the intent of esports fans and businesses. This is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase your business and to promote it as a leader within, supporter and partner of the industry as it continues to grow.
This event will offer an education on all aspects related to the business of esports from looking after and management of players to marketing, merchandising, building a brand, fan engagement, and more. ESI will bring together the decision makers at the world’s top teams, tournament organisers, brands, bookmakers, suppliers, investors, professional service providers, sports clubs, media and more.
- Brand awareness to a targeted crowd of decision makers across esports, and connected industries
- Be known as a leader in the space to the full sphere of stakeholders
- Support the burgeoning esports industry and ensure people know who you are, and what you can offer
- Gain extensive support from the full Esports Insider network on your journey in esports. This includes content and promotion on one of the leading industry news portals globally, support on social channels, real life connections and plenty more
For more information and to get involved: [email protected]
HIGHLIGHTS & VIDEOS
SPEAKERS
SAIRA MUELLER
Gen.G
Director of Content
SAIRA MUELLER
Gen.G
Director of Content
Saira Mueller has been covering esports for over three years and is currently the Managing Editor of leading industry news site Dot Esports, based in Austin, TX. She was previously the video games reporter at International Business Times in New York. Saira graduated from Columbia University with a Masters in Journalism in 2015. She now spends her time dreaming about a stable esports industry.
SCOTT SMITH
Esports Veteran
SCOTT SMITH
Esports Veteran
Scott is one of the most experienced figureheads within esports. He first entered the scene as a Counter-Strike competitor, Scott then joined GotFrag, which was a leading source of news for hardcore esports enthusiasts. After GotFrag was purchased by MLG in 2007, Scott became the COO and a co-owner of Evil Geniuses, one of the most storied pro gaming teams in esports. Scott stepped down from active duty at EG to pursue new adventures. If you’ve kept up with competitive CS, you’ve seen Scott now assisting the pro CS players in organizing their voice via the Counter-Strike Professional Players' Association.
EUNICE CHEN
VP Marketing
Cloud9 Esports
EUNICE CHEN
VP Marketing
Cloud9 Esports
Eunice Chen is the head of marketing for North America’s premier esports organization, Cloud9. After building Cloud9’s business development vertical and cultivating some of the largest partnerships in early esports, she now applies her vision to PR, marketing, branding and event initiatives. Previously, Eunice headed up event strategy at Riot Games where she created League of Legends live events. Eunice also built and heads up HeroesHype, a tournament and event production company. Eunice has shown herself to be both a visionary and a builder, leaving her fingerprints across the esports industry by creating long-lasting programs, events and partnerships.
STEVE ARHANCET
Co-CEO and Owner
Team Liquid
STEVE ARHANCET
Co-CEO and Owner
Team Liquid
As co-CEO and owner of Team Liquid, Arhancet has helped define what it means to be a new media organization. Team Liquid represents over 70 athletes, competing in over 13 distinct esports titles, and spans
the breadth of sports management, content production, influencer agency and website management. In 2016, Team Liquid forged a relationship with traditional sports investment and expertise by partnering
with aXiomatic eSports and its owners Peter Guber, Ted Leonsis, Jeff Vinik, and Bruce Stein. On a day-to-day basis, Arhancet's priority is the development and performance of a stable of world class gamer
athletes worldwide.
SABINA HEMMI
Cofounder and CEO
Elo Entertainment
SABINA HEMMI
Cofounder and CEO
Elo Entertainment
Sabina Hemmi is the Co-founder and CEO of Elo Entertainment, the company behind Dotabuff, Overbuff, Fortbuff, Artibuff, and TrackDota. She has owned and operated community statistics websites for Dota 2, Overwatch, League of Legends, and Fortnite reaching millions players a month. She has run and grown the data-oriented web company for over 7 years and in the process learned a lot about the evolution of esports. She is excited about the future of data in esports and strives to find new data and products that are authentic to their communities. Between 4 different games we have over 230 billion matches.
NICOLA PIGGOTT
Co-Founder
The Story Mob
NICOLA PIGGOTT
Co-Founder
The Story Mob
After a 10-year career in brand communications, Nicola spent over five years at Riot Games, where she was leading global communication for Riot’s esports team and the most successful esports title in history. Nicola has given counsel and training to esports teams organizations worldwide. Named one of PR Week’s top Women in PR in 2015, she has managed communications around global events like the League of Legends World Championships which in 2018 was the most watched esports event to date with over 99 million unique viewers.
ROD BRESLAU
#1 Esports Consultant and Insider
Self-proclaimed
ROD BRESLAU
#1 Esports Consultant and Insider
Self-proclaimed
Rod "Slasher" Breslau is an American veteran of competitive gaming and esports as a broadcaster, analyst and reporter. He is a well known community figure in all things Fighting games, Starcraft, Quake, Overwatch and many more. Surrounded for good or bad with controversy, Slasher is one of the most outspoken esports influencers reporting on the industry daily.
KHALID JONES
Co-owner
Echo Fox
KHALID JONES
Co-owner
Echo Fox
Khalid Jones is the co-owner and co-founder of Echo Fox one of the world’s preeminent eSports organizations, recruiting, developing and celebrating some of the world’s best professional eSports athletes. The organization fields dozens of athletes across various eSports competitions including League of Legends League Championship Series. Jones is also the Managing Partner of Sourcerock Partners, a private asset and leadership firm where he oversees the Company’s investments in real-estate, entertainment and sports. For the last several years Khalid has brokered deals for the firm with Fortune 500 companies, multi-national hospitality groups and various colleges and universities.
KASHAN KHAN
Pro Smash Player
Team Liquid
KASHAN KHAN
Pro Smash Player
Team Liquid
I've been playing Super Smash Bros. Melee for 17 years. Aswell as playing, I regularly commentate super majors and create content for the Smash community.
SIMON BENNETT
Co-Owner / CEO
AoE Creative
SIMON BENNETT
Co-Owner / CEO
AoE Creative
With over 15 years experience in the esports and gaming industry, Simon is a disruptive marketing entrepreneur who most recently co-founded AoE Creative - A full spectrum marketing and creative agency specializing in gaming, esports and nerd culture. Simon is also a founding member of WE ARE SEED (An investment and publisher consultancy), The Houston Outlaws, and Infinite Esports & Entertainment.
Simon has worked as an executive for some of the largest gaming brands in the world, Activision Blizzard, Razer, Wargaming, FACEIT, Infinite Esports, and is well known for his passion for nerd culture and direct"get shit done" approach.
BARRY KWONMOON LEE
Agent
Evolved Talent Agency
BARRY KWONMOON LEE
Agent
Evolved Talent Agency
Barry Lee is an Agent at Evolved Talent Agency. He currently represents professional League of Legends, Overwatch, and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate players. Barry graduated from George Washington Law School in 2018 (J.D.), from UCLA in 2014 (M.Sc. in Biochemistry), and Johns Hopkins University in 2012 (B.S. in Biology). His esports career started in 2014 as an interpreter/translator in South Korea at OnGameNet, an esports broadcasting company which is a subsidiary of CJ Entertainment and Media. Since then, he has worked as a freelance interpreter, esports team manager, and independent consultant before starting Evolved Talent Agency with colleagues in 2016.
Nicolas Maurer
CEO
Team Vitality
Nicolas Maurer
CEO
Team Vitality
From 2004, Oliver was General Counsel on Commercial and IP for 7 years before becoming Secretary-General of the F1 Teams’ Association in 2011. In 2014, Oliver set up OW Advisory and worked with Formula E,
sports rights owners on fan engagement events, and thereafter worked with Virtually Live as Director of Content (and Sports Rights) on VR and gaming. In 2019 Oliver founded LDN UTD as an esports organization
to promote a healthy lifestyle and social issues.
GRANT ZINN
CEO
beastcoast
GRANT ZINN
CEO
beastcoast
Grant Zinn is the CEO of beastcoast. Prior to founding beastcoast, Grant was the Producer of a digital esports show called eStream for Bleacher Report. Grant was responsible for planning shoots, writing content, and determining guest talent. Grant has over ten years of esports experience, working in roles such as marketing, production, recruiting, scouting, project management and community moderation. His current goal is to grow beastcoast into the preeminent East Coast esports organization.
ARTURO SANCHEZ
Streamer
Team Spooky
ARTURO SANCHEZ
Streamer
Team Spooky
Long time FGC broadcaster and old school member of the scene for more than 20+ years.
GREG LAIRD
CEO
Chaos Esports Club
GREG LAIRD
CEO
Chaos Esports Club
After starting as Dota 2 caster, Greg transitioned to business development in esports working at Vulcun Daily Fantasy and later as Sales Director at Beyond the Summit. After consulting for various teams
he began as the CEO of Digital Chaos in December 2017. In the spring of 2018 he rebranded the team to Chaos Esports Club to create a brand that fans would be proud to represent while away from keyboard.
Chaos E.C. currently competes in Dota 2, CS: GO, Rainbow Six, PUBG, and Fortnite.
CHAD DE LUCA
Head of Gaming and Esports
Publicis Media Sport & Entertainment
CHAD DE LUCA
Head of Gaming and Esports
Publicis Media Sport & Entertainment
Chad is Publicis Media’s Head of Gaming and Esports. After spending time with the NBA, Nets, Yankees, and WME/IMG, Chad’s wealth of sports marketing knowledge has become an asset for the Publicis Media Sport and Entertainment team. He has developed esports programs for Publicis clients like Mars' Snickers brand, Wendy's, Samsung, Discover, Kraft Heinz, Verizon, and Kellogg's. Furthermore, Chad has been a featured speaker at events like Adweek NY and the World Esports Summit and has had esports contributions published in Adweek.
CHRIS CHANEY
Founder
Chaney Group Holdings
CHRIS CHANEY
Founder
Chaney Group Holdings
Chris Chaney’s leadership experience is underlined by a 10-year track record of success in the global sports and entertainment industry. A native of Germany, Chris is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, including being recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. A native of Germany, Chris is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, including being recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He is an active esports advisor and investor, and currently serves, among others, as board director of Infinite Esports & Entertainment, a leading esports media and entertainment platform he founded (OpTic Gaming and Houston Outlaws).
BEN NICHOL
Head of Events, Biz Dev
NYXL
BEN NICHOL
Head of Events, Biz Dev
NYXL
Ben officially entered professional esports in 2010 through StarCraft after spending years as a community member, player and fan. With his start in streaming and coaching, he eventually transitioned to casting and hosting professional esports events and has worked stages like BlizzCon, DreamHack, and The Intel Extreme Masters. Ben moved behind the camera, working as a producer and manager at ESL and then NASL before moving to Red Bull where he worked for five years before joining NYXL. At Red Bull Ben led US esports producing hundreds of events and managing all partnerships and licensing with developers, teams and brands.
JOSHUA KELL
CEO
Esports Integration
JOSHUA KELL
CEO
Esports Integration
Joshua serves as the Chief Executive Officer of eSports integration and Horizon AVL System Integration. Joshua designs large venue and arena systems, video broadcast studios, and projection / LED wall video displays with precision and expertise. His vast experiences span 15 years in the industry.
ED CHANG
Director of Business Strategy
Electronic Arts
ED CHANG
Director of Business Strategy
Electronic Arts
Ed Chang is Director of Business Strategy for EA competitive gaming. Prior to this he was an Entrepreneur in Residence focused on investing in gaming companies at The Chernin Group, a privately held media company. Additional experience includes founding and selling an esports agency and running business development for Streamlabs (formerly Vulcun), the top payments platform for content creators.
CHRIS HOPPER
Head of Esports - North America
Riot Games
CHRIS HOPPER
Head of Esports - North America
Riot Games
As Head of Esports in North America, Chris Hopper oversees the operation of the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), the premiere league for the world’s most popular esport in North America. Under
his leadership the LCS incorporated a franchise model, creating long-term partnerships with esports stalwarts such as TSM,Cloud9, and Team Liquid as well as traditional sports teams such as the Golden
State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Houston Rockets. During his tenure, the LCS attracted sponsors likesuch as State Farm & Jersey Mike’s and saw the average starting salary for players
rise above $320,000.
Ian Smith
Commissioner
ESIC
Ian Smith
Commissioner
ESIC
Ian Smith is the Esports Integrity Commissioner. He has had that role since ESIC was founded in July 2016 and is now a well-established senior presence in the global esports ecosystem. Ian is a UK lawyer with over 20 years’ experience in traditional sports, primarily in regulation and governance. His particular focus has always been the connection between the athlete and the rules and regulations that govern the athletes’ professional life. Ian was legal director of the Professional Cricketers’ Association in the UK for over a decade and was responsible for advising players on a range of issues, but also negotiating, on their behalf, the contracts, rules and regulations that applied to them, such as the Anti-Doping and Anti-Corruption Codes. For two years between 2013 and 2015 Ian also ran the Federation of International Cricketers Associations (FICA), the umbrella body for all the Player Associations in International cricket, which meant he dealt with the terms and conditions under which players participated in the Cricket World Cup and was the player representative on the Security Directorate of all major events through to 2015. He sat on the Athletes Committee of UK Anti-Doping for five years. Currently, he is also Head of Integrity for the PGA European Tour golf.
WIM STOCKS
GM/CEO
WorldGaming & Collegiate StarLeague
WIM STOCKS
GM/CEO
WorldGaming & Collegiate StarLeague
Wim Stocks is the CEO of WorldGaming & Collegiate StarLeague, two longstanding companies and brands in the developmental and amateur esports space, providing online tournaments as well as live competitions
and events, leagues, content, and programming for aspiring gamers and audiences. Key programming partnerships include Activision Blizzard/MLG, EA, 2K, Capcom, Twitch, Valve, Tencent, Epic, PlayStation,
Xbox/MSFT, Nintendo and more.
SEAN MCBRIDE
Owner
Spacestation Gaming
SEAN MCBRIDE
Owner
Spacestation Gaming
Shonduras started on Snapchat, revolutionizing the platform. Understanding the social psychology behind engaging fans with his content and looking to diversify his reach, he took his attention to YouTube where he again created a far-reaching and engaged audience in a short amount of time. Fans look forward to his Best Day Ever videos, each filled with fun content centered around his family life, skateboarding, and the biz behind the fun. Shaun has won several awards for his content, has been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, and has since created two businesses under his brand: Spacestation Gaming and Spacestation Integrations.
TATIANA TACCA
Director of Esports
Momentum
TATIANA TACCA
Director of Esports
Momentum
Tatiana Tacca is the Director of Esports at Momentum Worldwide, leading strategy, sponsorships and experiential for global partners and brands in esports and gaming. After 9 years in the space, she has worked with several non-endemic brands across multiple categories, collaborating directly with properties on highly impactful, customized partnerships – including Activision Blizzard, Twitch, Riot Games, and multiple esports teams. Before that, she led the marketing strategies, launches, and community development of over 20 mobile licensed game titles with Marvel, Pixar, Fox, Lucasfilm, the NFL, NBA, MLB, NBA, and 343 Industries.
JOSH CHAPMAN
Managing Partner
Konvoy Ventures
JOSH CHAPMAN
Managing Partner
Konvoy Ventures
Josh comes from a background in finance at BlackRock and Morgan Stanley before launching Konvoy Ventures, a VC fund dedicated to esports & video gaming. Josh is based in Denver and is an avid gamer.
DUSTIN SWEENEY
Senior Designer - Esports
HKS Inc
DUSTIN SWEENEY
Senior Designer - Esports
HKS Inc
I have been approaching projects a bit differently than most creatives for A&E firms. Trained as an Industrial Designer, my second nature is to focus on user experience when developing new concepts. Industrial designers don’t just design products (in the traditional sense), we design EXPERIENCES. What does it mean to interact with a product or design? A venue? How should someone feel or respond to the designed space or item? My energy at HKS is focused as a design strategist developing branded environments, interactive experiences, and bespoke build outs.
BOBBY SHARMA
Special Adviser to the Sports Industry Team
Foley & Lardner LLP
BOBBY SHARMA
Special Adviser to the Sports Industry Team
Foley & Lardner LLP
Bobby Sharma is Special Adviser to the Sports Industry Team at Foley & Lardner LLP; Founding Partner of Electronic Sports Group, an esports advisory firm; Partner at GACP Sports, a PE firm; and was formerly SVP/Global Head of Basketball at IMG, and VP/General Counsel of the NBA Development League. With almost 20 years of sports, media, and entertainment experience, he works with teams, leagues, and stakeholders across professional and amateur sports. He is a graduate of Duke University, Duke Law School, and the Harvard Business School executive program on the Business of Entertainment, Media & Sports.
Arda Ocal
Co-host
The Business of Esports
Arda Ocal
Co-host
The Business of Esports
Arda Ocal is an Emmy Award nominated broadcaster with ESPN, MSG Networks, WWE, Weather Network and countless live events on his resume. He is the co host of the weekly Business of Esports podcast, which dives into the important news and decisions made from the keyboard to the boardroom, as well is the play by play voice of the NHL Gaming World Championship, currently entering season 2. He is also the (self proclaimed) very best Tetris player in New York.
RAMON RAMOS
Global Head of Esports
VIZRT
RAMON RAMOS
Global Head of Esports
VIZRT
After a 20-year career in television with various roles at FOX, CBS, Comcast and NBC Sports, Ramon Ramos joined VIZRT in 2018 as the Global Head of Esports leading the company's strategy and execution in the esports ecosystem. Additionally Mr. Ramos is an adjunct faculty at St. John's University in Queens, New York, where he is teaching the institute's first undergraduate class dedicated to esports.
James Liu
Pro Smash Player
OG Esports
James Liu
Pro Smash Player
OG Esports
James, also known as Swedish Delight, has been playing Super Smash bros. Melee at a competitive level for over 10 years. He is currently ranked #13 in the world and a member of OG Esports.
Magnus Leppäniemi
Sales Director Brand Partnerships NA
DreamHack
Magnus Leppäniemi
Sales Director Brand Partnerships NA
DreamHack
Magnus joined DreamHack in 2013 and spearheaded DreamHacks sales efforts for the first ever DreamHack event in North America in Austin, Texas 2016. With over 20 years of experience within gaming and esports Magnus is today responsible for Brand Partnerships in North America and working closely together with ESL to offer brands and partners the most comprehensive esports inventory on the market. During the years Magnus has worked with brands such as HyperX, Bud Light, Alienware, Discord and many more enabling successful brand activations with DreamHack.
Tori Stevens
SVP of Customer Success
GumGum Sports
Tori Stevens
SVP of Customer Success
GumGum Sports
Tori Stevens recently joined GumGum Sports, an AI-powered sponsorship measurement platform, as SVP of Customer Success. With nearly 20 years of experience in the global sports industry, Tori leads a team that is responsible for helping the company's global client base leverage GumGum's platform to measure and optimize their sponsorship portfolios. She came to GumGum from the Boston based Sports Innovation Lab. Prior to that, Tori led strategy at GlideSlope/CSM Sports Advisory and held a variety of leadership roles at ESPN. Before embarking on a sports career, she worked for the Boston Consulting Group.
Keith Sheldon
EVP Programming
BSE Global
Keith Sheldon
EVP Programming
BSE Global
As Executive Vice President of Programming for BSE Global, Keith Sheldon oversees the booking of concerts, sporting events, family shows and special events for BSE venues including Barclays Center, NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. He also plays an integral role in planning and development as the BSE roster of venues expands to include Webster Hall and the LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theater.
Since joining BSE as Vice President in 2014, Sheldon has increased Barclays Center’s bookings year over year and delivered premium live content such as concerts from Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand,
JAY-Z, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, and Justin Bieber, and premier sporting events such as Premier Boxing Champions, major NCAA college basketball, and WWE SummerSlam. Under Sheldon’s leadership,
BSE venues have been ranked among the top 10 venues worldwide and top three domestically in their respective categories by the premier industry publications.
Prior to joining BSE, Sheldon worked for AEG Facilities in a variety of roles, serving as Director of Events at KFC Yum! CENTER in Louisville, KY and Director of Business Affairs and Programming at XL
Center in Hartford, CT.
Sheldon graduated from Bucknell University with a B.S. in Business Management and received a law degree from Brooklyn Law School. Originally from Sudbury, MA, he currently lives in Brooklyn with
his wife, Sally, and their two daughters.
David Grundlingh
Executive Advisor
Hookit
David Grundlingh
Executive Advisor
Hookit
A pioneer in non-endemic esports commercial partnerships. Advising major sports sponsors and properties as to how to understand esports and what strategy they need to engage their future (current) consumers. Hookit is a cutting edge platform providing real-time data and insights for sponsors across social and digital media - including Twitch.
AGENDA
- MAIN STAGE
- ROUNDTABLES
10:00 - 10:10
OPENING REMARKS Welcome message from Esports Insider Co-founder and Managing Director Sam Cooke
10:10 - 10:50
From 'basement dwellers' to global superstars From basement dwellers to global superstars: the ever-changing perception and responsibilities of top esports players
It’s safe to say over the years the perception of competitive gamers and esports players has started to shift considerably. With increased popularity and global superstardom for many players at the top of their game, every action comes under increased scrutiny with sponsor responsibilities and personal brand importance. The panel dissects the changing public opinion, the importance of personal branding for players as well as the dangers of social media.
10:50 - 11:30
The Fighting Game Community and esports The Fighting Game Community and esports: a rocky relationship
There’s no doubt that the FGC breeds some of the very best tournaments to watch, as well as creating truly epic storylines but its relationship with other the esports community is often a little frosty. The introduction of ELEAGUE and a more “traditional esports” approach to FGC was met with mixed reaction by the community. Some criticised the lack of open bracket and community feel, whilst others felt encouraged by another event with good prize money and solid competition. The FGC continues to throw up some of the very best entertainment out there - but lacks the Mercedes Benz or Betway’s that are proving so crucial to the overall esports ecosystem.
Does the FGC risk damaging itself should it not embrace the bigger corporates and more polished esports approach or can it continue to flourish just the way it is?
11:30 - 11:50
MORNING BREAK Refreshments in the networking area
11:50 - 12:30
There’s no place like home Sponsored by DreamHack
There’s no place like home: creating the perfect esports venue
We’ve seen esports events all over the world, from humble beginnings through to stadiums such as the Commerzbank Arena and the Bird’s Nest Stadium. Although dedicated studios have existed for a while, only recently have we seen the emergence of dedicated esports arenas across the world. But what goes into creating the perfect esports arena? How does it differ from a traditional sporting venue and is it difficult to generate revenue all-year-round?
12:30 - 13:10
Marketing in esports, the past, present and future Marketing in esports, the past, present and future
There’s plenty of endemic and non-endemic brands in esports activating well and seeing good results in the space. There’s several key factors to consider when targeting a dedicated esports audience, and activating on-site may be different from that in other entertainment verticals. What can esports learn from outside the industry and vice-versa? How important is influencer marketing in esports and what will the overall landscape look like in five years time?
13:10 - 14:00
LUNCH
14:00 - 15:35
ROUNDTABLES
15:35 - 16:00
AFTERNOON BREAK Refreshments in the networking area
16:00 - 16:40
Publishers and teams: creating the perfect ecosystem
Undoubtedly two of the most important rights holders in the esports industry are the publishers and the teams. We've seen varying approaches across the esports landscape - from the emergence of franchise leagues - through to working with large sports teams.
Each publisher has a different approach to working with teams, but what works best from each side? Do teams prefer a laid back approach? How does it vary between publishers?
17:30 - 19:30
ROOFTOP OPEN BAR Brought to you by Gaming Malta
A premium selection of name-brand liquor
Signature cocktails
Sterling Vintners Chardonnay & Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
MUMM'S Cuvee Napa Valley
Bottled beer (HEINEKEN, AMSTEL LIGHT, CORONA, COORS LIGHT, BUDWEISER & BUD LIGHT)
Assorted sodas & juices, Pellegrino water
20:00 -
AFTER PARTY PARTY AT 40/40 Club
TABLE ONE
TABLE TWO
14:00 - 14:45
Collegiate esports Sponsored by Esports Integration
Building the US grassroots: the state of collegiate esports
Esports in the US has largely followed a similar path to that of traditional sports. With franchise leagues emerging at the top tier of esports for the likes of Overwatch and League of Legends - so too has a budding collegiate scene across the country.
Just how well is the collegiate system doing for US esports? Furthermore, should developers and publishers of games feel an obligation to support such initiatives? Would the entrance of the NCAA be a disaster for esports or would it have its benefits?
14:00 - 14:45
Esports Chamber 101 Esports Chamber 101: Lock it away
For those of us well and truly embedded into the esports industry there’s always something to have a gripe or a moan at. Whether it’s bad practice from those within the industry, or interesting decision making from those outside of it - there’s always something to have a whinge about.
Esports 101 welcomes delegates to discuss bad practice in esports, and what they would ultimately lock in Esports Chamber 101.
14:50 - 15:35
Show me the money Show me the money: investment in esports
There has been a lot of money flying into the burgeoning esports industry in the last few years - with big name celebrities and extremely high net-worth individuals all getting involved. Just how can an esports company go about raising capital for their venture?
Once a venture is off the ground, how can an organisation obtain sponsorships and endorsements? On the investor side, should investors expect immediate bang for their buck or is esports more of a long-term play?
14:50 - 15:35
Data: the commercial opportunity “Data, data, data: the commercial opportunity”
With such a vast number of data points across various esports titles, there’s infinite opportunity to harness the power of data commercially. From consumer orientated products through to analysis for professional teams - there’s a whole lot that can be done in the space.
Furthermore, with the repeal of PASPA the opportunity for regulated esports betting continues to grow in the States. Just how big is the opportunity?
TESTIMONIALS
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LOCATION
Tribeca Rooftop NYC
2 Desbrosses Street
New York,
NY 10013
HOTELS
Check Availability Near:
2 Desbrosses Street
New York,
NY 10013
SPONSORS
- Headline Sponsor
- Sponsors
- Media and Strategic Partners
GamingMalta is an independent non-profit foundation set up by the Government of Malta and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). Tasked with the remit of promoting Malta as a Centre of excellence in the remote gaming sector globally, it is also responsible for liaising with the local relevant authorities to improve Malta’s attractiveness as a jurisdiction and enhance the ecosystem surrounding the gaming industry.
AoE Creative has a background/reach in gaming and esports unparalleled by any other creative agency. We were born amid the initial spark of the competitive gaming explosion with experts from top publishers, the most elite esports teams and companies. We draw upon years of experience from the good to the bad and the most up-to-date data to build game-changing, thought-provoking, unique campaigns and brands that stand the test of time. We know better than most about what it takes to disrupt the status quo. We aim to champion diversity at every turn providing entertainment and access to historically underrepresented groups in our work, with our consultations and within our own employee portfolio.
Epulze is growing grassroots esports and offers competitive gaming and more exciting matches. They give everyone a sliver of the excitement that professional players feel when they are on stage in front of tens of thousands of people. That’s accomplished by enabling gamers to participate in daily automated esports tournaments, leagues and challenges while competing for prize money and other prizes. Epulze started out as a passion project by the three brothers Mattias, Markus and Pontus Lövgren from Sweden. Today Epulze has a global team of 25 people with marking/communication teams in Brazil, Ukraine, Germany and Kuala Lumpur with business development in Singapore and the headquarters in Sweden.
Connecting Companies with the Digital Generation Since 1994
Over the past 20 years we have been building the World’s largest digital festival – a place for gamers and digital natives of all stripes to come together to compete, make new friends and celebrate all of the things that make internet culture great. Every year, we host the World’s largest LAN party, manage global esport productions, and broadcast entertaining content to our community around the world. It is always our goal to create the most engaging and interactive events possible.
BSE Global, formerly Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, develops and operates state-of-the-art venues and manages premier sports franchises, delivering dynamic content and experiences for audiences. BSE oversees programming, marketing, sales, and operations for Barclays Center; NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum; and Webster Hall. BSE manages and controls the Brooklyn Nets and its NBA G League team, the Long Island Nets, as well as the business operations of the NHL's New York Islanders.
Barclays Center, which opened on September 28, 2012, offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 15,795 for hockey, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and Parm Italian Restaurant & 40/40 CLUB by Tanduay Rum.
NYCB LIVE reopened on April 5, 2017 after undergoing an extensive renovation. The venue offers 14,500 seats for basketball, MMA and boxing, 13,900 for hockey, up to 15,000 for concerts, and 4,500 seats for its theater configuration.
With a focus on emerging businesses, BSE identifies and creates alliances, strategic partnerships and other business opportunities to ensure the success of its assets.
Vizrt is the world’s leading provider of visual storytelling tools for media content creators in the broadcast, sports, digital and esports industries. Vizrt offers market-defining software-based solutions for real-time 3D graphics, video playout, studio automation, sports analysis, media asset management, and journalist story tools. More than three billion people watch stories told by Vizrt customers everyday including from media companies such as CNN, CBS, NBC, Fox, BBC, BSkyB, Sky Sports, Al Jazeera, NDR, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, Tencent, and many more. Vizrt is a global and diverse company with over 500 employees, operating in 30 offices worldwide. Vizrt is a privately-owned company by Nordic Capital Fund VIII.
Vizrt is creative power made easy. www.vizrt.com
Foley & Lardner LLP is an international law firm with over 1,100 lawyers, 13 industry groups, 60 practice areas, and 24 offices in the United States, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. The Sports Industry Group at Foley is comprised of lawyers with the highest level of legal acumen, as well as professionals who have held senior and high-profile leadership positions in the sports industry. We work with clients to acquire or sell sports franchises; find creative solutions for sports facility development, financing, and construction; and negotiate long-term media deals.
Our sports clients include franchises and leagues, amateur and collegiate teams, owners, stadium operators, sponsors, promoters, developers, and sporting goods manufacturers. We also provide legal services for major championship events for Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the Special Olympics, and FIFA, and are now helping clients navigate all aspects of the dynamically growing esports industry.
We Are Nations is a specialist esports consumer products and retail company with locations based in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia with additional distribution partners around the world.
The company provides merchandise design, sales, manufacturing and distribution services for esports teams, leagues and other endemic and non-endemic brands operating in the esports industry.
HKS is a team of more than 1,350 architects, interior designers, urban designers, scientists, artists, structural engineers, anthropologists and other professionals working together across industries and across the globe to create places that delight, heal and stimulate peak performance.
We have nurtured a culture of extraordinary people with curious and creative minds who are passionate about delivering elegant solutions that solve our clients' challenges. Our research teams dig deep to discover processes and ideas that improve outcomes--then they share them freely for everyone's benefit. In all we do, we are mindful of the fragility of all life and of the planet.
Gaming is what we do best! Our team is compiled of broadcast and design engineers, and leading esports industry developers. eSports integration and Horizon AVL have teamed up to bring you a comprehensive solution for your esports venue or event. Our passion for gaming and audiovisual integration is the perfect balance for excellence! Esports is changing the sporting landscape of the collegiate space. This billion dollar industry is a global phenomenon that cannot be ignored.
Competitive teams will increase student enrollment and revenue streams. Building a successful team and brand will attract students, sponsors, and advertising dollars. Esports teams will require a space for training and competitions. The spaces will generate ticket sales. Streaming will create advertising revenue. Let our eSports integration development team assist building your esports team, venue, and brand.
eSports integration will design a space of excellence that is functional and entertaining.
Let us help you Level Up your esports program!
YouGov Sport is a global sports, sponsorship and entertainment research company, working with sports key stakeholders to unlock meaningful, actionable insights.
Founded as SMG Insight in July 2010, YouGov Sport is the sports division of YouGov – one of the world’s largest and most respected research firms.
DBLTAP gives esports fans news from authentic and expert voices. We combine our fandom with insider knowledge to produce the stories fans want and need, catered to each community in esports and gaming.
Latam Media Group is a media group specialized in the Latin American Gaming industry. Its expertise in public relationships let them multiply their business audience, building a selected and exclusive network that acts as a guide to keep evolving in the right direction.
LMG now organizes events, VIP dinners, conferences and summits for the Latin American gaming industry.
It launched in 2016, to bring a new concept in communication, networking and content creation.
GINX Esports TV is the first and largest esports TV network. Available in 55+ million homes, across more than 50 territories in 10 languages, GINX Esports TV aims to extend the reach of esports into mainstream sports audiences.
With its head-quarters in London, UK, GINX Esports TV operates as a central hub, collaborating with partners and affiliates across the world to provide esports fans the best possible experience.
Swipe Right PR is Europe's leading esports and gaming communications agency who elevate brands and help build communities. We're a London-based agency with an international network of media, influencers and partners and we deliver strategic and creative campaigns that help our clients form their brand identity and deliver their message to the right audiences.
With years of experience, we have managed communications for some of the biggest tournaments, platforms and games in the world, alongside the most prolific teams and talent in the industry. Ensuring we are always pushing the latest trends in the sector, Swipe Right PR keep our clients ahead of the game.