Promoting Hands on learning and Advancement through Skills and Esports -
Explore the dynamic intersection of academia and esports, emphasising the profound impact of integrating esports into education.
Date and time
Location
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
Roseburn Street Edinburgh EH12 5PJ United KingdomRefund Policy
Speakers
About this event
- Event lasts 8 hours 30 minutes
- Free venue parking
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.
Moreover, we'll 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, we will 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.
8.30am – Registration & Refreshments
9.15am – Welcome from Event Host NiK Turner
9.30am The Role of Esports in Education - Presented by Shoubna Naika-Taylor – Expert in Esports & Education and Euan Jardine – Leader, Scottish Borders Council
Keynote Presentation - Esports is rapidly transforming education, offering students new ways to engage, develop essential skills, and explore career opportunities. This session will explore how esports is being integrated into educational curriculums, focusing on its role in STEM development, transferable skills, and future employability pathways.Key discussion points will include:- The impacts of Esports on student engagement: How gaming enhances motivation, participation, and learning outcomes- How esports can be leveraged to teach essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking.- Real-world examples of educational institutions successfully incorporating esports and the positive outcomes they’ve experienced.- Career pathways in esports and beyond: How esports can lead to careers in technology, game design, and related industries.
Government Perspective: Esports in Scottish Education
Following the keynote, Euan Jardine will provide insight into Scotland’s approach to esports in education, sharing how the Scottish Borders Council is implementing esports initiatives across primary schools, high schools, and colleges.
10.30.am – From Classroom to Championship – Elevating Scholastic Gaming with Play VS and Valor – Presented by Alex Hirbe
Discover how PlayVS creates a comprehensive esports experience that connects classroom activities with competitive gaming. This overview showcases how institutions can engage participants, develop valuable skills, and support mental wellness through both recreational and competitive esports programs.
11.00am – Refreshments
11.30am - Empowering Futures through Esports Education – Presenter Bubba GaeddertIn this keynote we will explore the transformative potential of esports and gaming in educational settings, illustrating how these engaging platforms enable students to build vital skills and discover exciting career opportunities.Key discussion points will include:- The development of crucial skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking through esports education.- The introduction of technical competencies related to IT, broadcasting, and game development that equip students for success in diverse industries.- The benefits of integrating esports into curricula, enhancing student engagement, academic performance, and overall well-being.- Insights into how esports education empowers learners with the tools necessary to navigate an increasingly digital and fast-paced world.
12.30pm – 13.30pm - Lunch
13.30pm – The Role of Esports in Industry – Speaker TBAKeynote presentation that examines the increasing connection between the armed forces and the esports community. This session highlights the transferable skills that esports players possess, how these skills are relevant to various positions within the armed forces, and the ways in which esports serve to enhance camaraderie and engagement during downtime.Key discussion points will include:- An exploration of the essential skills developed through esports, such as strategic thinking, teamwork, and rapid decision-making, and their significance in military operations.- Insights into why the armed forces are focusing on esports participants, emphasizing their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and technological expertise.- A look at how the military's involvement with the esports community helps attract younger demographics, promoting interest in military careers and engagement.- The impact of leadership and teamwork within esports on preparing individuals for the dynamics of military environments and operations.- Discussion of innovative strategies that the armed forces can adopt from the esports industry to enhance training and operational effectiveness.
2.15pm – The Role of Esports in Sports and the Community – Presented by Gavin Ferry (Newcastle United Foundation)
Keynote Address: The Integration of Esports in Traditional SportsA Keynote presentation that examines the ways in which traditional sports in the community are utilising esports to enhance their relevance and community outreach. This session will highlight how esports can serve as a platform for education, community engagement, and fan loyalty while providing a fresh perspective on competitive strategies.Key discussion points will include:- My Esports and Gaming Journey: A case study from Newcastle United Foundation. –
- An exploration of personal experiences in the esports landscape and a detailed analysis of the Foundations initiatives
- Educational Advantages of Integrating Esports into Traditional Sports Programs focusing on skill development and innovative coaching methodologies, examining the foundations esports and STEM offerings and the evolution of these programs.
- Strategies for enhancing Community Engagement through Esports events and collaborations, insights on organising community sessions, British esports competitions, and tournaments to foster local involvement.
- Leveraging Football to engage Individuals in gaming and STEM initiatives. An overview of how the influence of Football is utilised to connect people with gaming and STEM education throughout our various programs.3.30pm – Refreshments
4.00pm - Panel Discussion: "Esports Unleashed: Converging Insights from Education, Military, and Sports"An engaging panel discussion that synthesises the expertise of leaders from education, the military, and the sports industry following their individual presentations. This session will offer a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of their insights without overlapping topics, facilitated by Nik Turner.Key discussion themes will include:- Innovative strategies for collaboration between education, military, and sports to leverage esports for skill development and career readiness.- Perspectives on the future of esports: How can these sectors work together to cultivate talent and inspire the next generation?- Unique challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of esports into each sector, focusing on distinct approaches and solutions.- The potential impact of esports on community engagement and social development across all three domains.The discussion will conclude with an interactive Q&A segment, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panellists and delve deeper into the topic.
5.00pm – Refreshments and Networking
Frequently asked questions
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with expert speakers, share best practices, and learn from case studies on the successful integration of esports. The conference will also provide refreshments, lunch, and ample networking opportunities.
www.phase25.co.uk
Organized by
eRena Sports delivers esports consultancy, summer camps, seminars and events from grassroots to pro.
Creators of the eScottish Cup and PHASE 25.