Join eRena Sports to explore the dynamic intersection of business, academia and esports. There are many business opportunities to engage with esports and skills for this hugely growing industry are highly transferable. So these are great candidates for all kinds of jobs in all kinds of sectors.
Tickets are £188 (or around £100 for students) but use this link to get a 25% discount - https://shorturl.at/4rZjy
Brought to you by Dundee and Tay Cities Region company eRena Sports that is helmed by games entrepreneur, David Hamilton of Ninja Kiwi.
Participants will learn how focusing on esports within a school environment fosters critical competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By engaging students in the competitive and strategic nature of esports, we facilitate the development of problem-solving abilities, teamwork, leadership, and technological proficiency. These skills are not just applicable to gaming; they translate seamlessly into real-world scenarios, making students attractive candidates for future employment in a range of sectors.
The conference will also examine how leading industries are actively seeking individuals with esports experience, recognising the unique skill sets they bring. Companies across technology, engineering, and even marketing are incorporating insights gleaned from esports to drive innovation and engagement.
Additionally, it's a great chance to discuss how traditional sports organisations are harnessing the power of esports to strengthen their community ties, enhance learning initiatives, and boost fan engagement. By promoting esports programs, these organisations can foster a spirit of inclusion and excitement that resonates with younger audiences while reaffirming their commitment to education and development.
This comprehensive approach opens the door to a richer understanding of how earlier engagement with esports can shape the future workforce, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Join us for a dialogue that promises to illuminate the many ways esports can enrich education and industry alike.
Promoting Hands-on Learning and Advancement through Skills and Esports
Full Day Conference – 8.30am–5.30pm (Lunch and refreshments included)
Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of academia and esports, emphasising the profound impact of integrating esports into educational curricula. This conference will highlight how esports can be leveraged as a powerful tool for cultivating essential transferable skills that are highly valued across various industries.
Participants will learn how focusing on esports within a school environment fosters critical competencies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By engaging students in the competitive and strategic nature of esports, we facilitate the development of:
- Problem-solving abilities
- Teamwork and leadership
- Technological proficiency
These skills translate into real-world scenarios, enhancing employability across sectors.
We'll also examine how industries are increasingly seeking individuals with esports experience. Companies in technology, engineering, and marketing are incorporating insights from esports to drive innovation. Furthermore, traditional sports organisations are utilising esports to enhance:
- Community ties
- Learning initiatives
- Fan engagement
This holistic approach ensures students are academically prepared and practically equipped to thrive in a digital and interconnected world.
Conference Schedule
8.30am – Registration & Refreshments
9.15am – Welcome from Event Host: Nik Turner
9.30am – The Role of Esports in Education
Speakers: Shoubna Naika-Taylor & Cllr Euan Jardine
Keynote Topics:
- Esports’ impact on student engagement
- Teaching essential skills through esports
- Real-world educational success stories
- Career pathways enabled by esports
- Scottish Government perspective from Cllr Euan Jardine
10.30am – From Classroom to Championship: Elevating Scholastic Gaming
Speakers: Alex Hirbe & Sam Ward (PlayVS & Valor)
Explore how PlayVS and Valor Esports build full scholastic gaming experiences, supporting learning and mental wellness.
11.00am – Refreshments
11.30am – Empowering Futures through Esports Education
Keynote Speaker: Bubba Gaeddert
Discussion Points:
- Skill development through esports
- Technical competencies in IT, broadcasting, game development
- Academic and wellbeing benefits
- Preparing students for a digital world
12.30pm–1.30pm – Lunch
1.30pm – The Role of Esports in Industry
Speaker: TBA
Keynote Topics:
- Esports and wider industries
- Transferable skills from esports and gaming
- The impact that can be felt beyond esports
2.15pm – The Role of Esports in Sports and the Community
Speaker: Gavin Ferry (Newcastle United Foundation)
Keynote Topics:
- Gavin’s personal journey in esports
- Educational and coaching integration of esports
- Community engagement strategies
- Using football to promote gaming and STEM
3.30pm – Refreshments
4.00pm – Panel Discussion: "Esports Unleashed: Converging Insights from Education, Military, and Sports"
Moderator: Nik Turner
Themes:
- Cross-sector collaboration
- Future talent development
- Sector-specific challenges and solutions
- Esports’ social impact
Includes interactive Q&A with attendees.
5.00pm – Refreshments & Networking
Speaker Biographies
Nik Turner
Managing Director, Ntesports
Nik has over a decade of experience in esports, previously serving as Head of Department at an Ofsted Outstanding College. At Ntesports, he expands grassroots esports and educational outreach. He also chairs the Education Committee at the Esports Trade Association and partners with Yoyotech.
Shoubna Naika-Taylor
Educator & Advisor, British Esports Federation
With 14 years in education, Shoubna has built esports programmes in two FE colleges. She advocates for inclusivity and sits on the Advisory Board for the British Esports Federation, promoting Women in Esports globally.
Gavin Ferry
Education & Employability Coordinator, Newcastle United Foundation
Gavin has spent two decades in education and charity sectors. At NUCASTLE, he drives esports and STEM access for all ages, focusing on community engagement and breaking down barriers to participation.
Cllr Euan Jardine
Leader, Scottish Borders Council
Euan leads efforts to incorporate esports in education across rural Scotland. As a former international athlete, he brings a focus on ambition and innovation to public leadership.
Bubba Gaeddert
Executive Director, Varsity Esports Foundation
Bubba is a global speaker and advisor promoting scholastic esports in the U.S. through diversity, equity, and inclusion. He partners with schools and industry to enhance digital access and academic success.
PlayVS
Official Scholastic Esports Platform, U.S.
Founded in 2018, PlayVS is the premier scholastic esports league operator, aligning with schools and publishers to deliver inclusive, educational esports experiences with pathways to scholarships and careers.