First-ever academic esports conference announced

LRP Media Group announced today, October 21, that they are launching the Academic Esports Conference & Expo. Taking place in one year from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21 in Chicago, the conference aims to connect academic leaders and the esports audience. As the esports industry continues to grow, educators and schools look to enter the scene too. Academic Esports will be the first event of its kind bridging the gap between education and esports.

High schools and colleges began entering the esports scene in recent years. Administrators are realizing that many students are becoming increasingly engaged with esports and now is the best time to reach them. Academic Esports Conference & Expo provides an opportunity to properly interact with the growing student audience. Finally, an official conference arrives with the goal of introducing interested schools to the esports scene.

Image via University of New Haven.

Chris Burt, esports conference chair and editor at LRP Media, gears this event towards schools wanting to create esports programs.

“We are excited to be hosting a conference for K-12, higher-ed and technology partners that blends the cutting-edge world of esports with education,” says Burt, Academic Esports Conference Chair. “The global esports industry is $1+ billion and growing every day. One of its fastest-growing segments is in schools, where the benefits for students are immeasurable. Our event will provide attendees with unprecedented insight from top experts on the best practices for not only implementing a successful program but also taking it to the next level.”

Specifically, Academic Esports plans to address fundraising techniques, technology, gaming culture and student engagement methods. The primary hope is for attendees to leave the conference introduced to, informed of and inspired by esports. Leaders will then properly translate this knowledge into developing structured programs for students.

Organizations like Tespa, National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), and North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) already exist to bring esports to students. But they lack decisive events combining the various facets of learning and student engagement. That’s where Academic Esports Conference comes in to unite current research and implementation strategies.

Esports provides more than just entertainment and engagement for fans. As the industry develops, education and careers within the scene flourish as well. Administrators and educators planning to further their own esport agendas will receive guidance here. Registration for October 2020’s Academic Esports Conference & Expo starts February 2020.

Written by Justin Amin