Steve Isaacs from Epic Games Keynote Speaker

Participants will learn how to transform their school’s approach to Scholastic Esports. Participants will hear from administrators across the state who have successfully paved the way for schools to develop their own esports programs. This session provides educators with practical tools to collaborate effectively with administrators and turn their vision into reality.

Speakers include:

Keith Stavig, Suwannee County
John Shoemaker, Palm Beach County
Steve Plummer, Pinellas County
Alex Podchaski, Trinity Prep

This panel brings together educators from a variety of clubs. Their shared experiences can help you get your school/club started. The panel will share their successes and pitfalls. A question and answer session will provide participants with the opportunity to ask more probing questions.

Speakers Include:

Tammy Neil, Suwannee County
Julius Edwards, Palm Beach County
Chris Carney, Pinellas County
Aaron Ash, Trinity Lutheran

Hear from collegiate experts about how they are preparing students for careers in the esports industry. Discover the opportunities available to K-12 students as esports becomes a mainstream career pathway. The session will provide insights into how high school programs can align with college-level expectations and industry demands. Participants will gain a clearer view of the entire esports landscape. Leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to guide students toward successful careers in esports.

Speakers Incude:

Anderson Allen
Geoff Nelson
Ben Katz
Sari Kitelyn
Anna Patterson

The esports environment is more than just a room; it’s a culture that promotes player growth and team development. In this session, attendees will hear from successful esports coaches and club advisors from across the state. They will share how they created spaces that support and nurture this growing field. Learn the strategies used to build a positive and effective esports culture. Gain practical insights for creating a dynamic esports environment at your own school.

Speakers Include:

Daniel Mooney, Palm Beach County
Dorothy McNeil, Pinellas County
Tammy Neil, Suwannee County

Danielle Johnson from Texas Scholastic Esports Federation Keynote Speaker

Developing the whole child is paramount to education. Skills necessary for success in life are found through classroom and co-curricular activities. Esports tends to draw the students who are not attracted by transition athletics, arts, or club programs. Providing opportunities for leadership development, collaboration, public speaking, outreach, and design, esports acts as a sanctuary for many students. Due to the nature of some of the games and the prevalent gaming culture, it can also become a magnet for conflict and toxicity between students. This panel will allow veteran esports coaches and club advisors from all levels to present how they have addressed these needs and concerns in their programs.

Speakers Include:

Kris Swanson
Tracy Wiu
Julie Mavrogeorge
Anderson Allen

Hear from collegiate experts about how they are preparing students for careers in the esports industry. Discover the opportunities available to K-12 students as esports becomes a mainstream career pathway. The session will provide insights into how high school programs can align with college-level expectations and industry demands. Participants will gain a clearer view of the entire esports landscape. Leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to guide students toward successful careers in esports.

Speakers Include:

Tammy Neil
Bennett Newsome
Ben Katz
Danielle Sirekis

Mykiah Bohhom shares his story of how esports changed his focus. Mykiah will then join the panel of current students from across the state in sharing their experiences in their esports program. Participants will hear about the multiple roles available in esports programs. A question and answer portion will be available for participant questions.

Speakers Include:

Mykiah Bonhom, Spectrum Industries
Students

Many teachers have turned to gamification of their learning by using elements of gaming to provide access to their content. Esports allows teachers to use a focus on games and gaming to enable pathways into topics for students such as art design, coding, marketing, as well as pathways to technology and software certifications. In this session, join educators who have created pathways for their students through formal and informal opportunities for using gaming as a curricular focus.

Speakers Include:

Chris Carney, Pinellas County
Julius Edwards, Palm Beach County
Michael Marrero, Palm Beach County