My First Visit to Chicago:
An Unforgettable Experience at EsportsNext 2024
Nteports Managing Director Nik Turner documents his recent travels to Chicago for the Esports Trade Association’s Next2024 Conference.
Chicago, often referred to as the Windy City, had always been on my list of places to visit. This July, I finally had the chance to explore it when I attended the Esports Trade Association Next 2024 Conference. Arriving on a very hot and sunny Tuesday, I was greeted with lovely weather, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius, perfect for sightseeing and exploration.
With five days at my disposal before the conference began, I dived into Chicago’s rich tapestry of sights and sounds. From the towering Willis Tower to the bustling Navy Pier, every corner of the city had something to offer. The shimmering waters of Lake Michigan provided a stunning backdrop to my adventures, whether it was a leisurely stroll along the lakefront or a thrilling boat tour.
Millennium Park, with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (fondly known as “The Bean”), was a highlight. The reflective surface of this public art piece beautifully captured the skyline and offered a unique perspective of the city.
The Art Institute of Chicago, with its vast collection of artworks, was another must-visit. Walking through its galleries, I was mesmerised by masterpieces spanning centuries and cultures.
The EsportsNext 2024 Conference
Having been a part of the Esports Trade Association (ESTA) for three years, and serving as the Chair of the Education Committee, EsportsNext 2024 was more than just a professional gathering for me.
It was an opportunity to meet long-time colleagues and friends in person, to network, and to immerse myself in the latest trends and innovations in the esports industry.
The conference, hosted at the elegant InterContinental Chicago, spanned three dynamic days and drew global leaders from various sectors of esports. It kicked off with a high-energy viewing party for NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race, setting the tone for the excitement to follow.
Unfortunately, the weather was, well let’s just say ‘unkind’ on the Sunday which somewhat restricted the racing but that led to much greater opportunities for networking. It was great to finally meet so many familiar faces that I worked with over video chat for years!
Celebrating Esports Day in Chicago: A Landmark Proclamation by Mayor Brandon Johnson
I was incredibly fortunate to be in Chicago for a historic moment in the esports community.
Mayor Brandon Johnson declared July 7, 2024, as Esports Day in Chicago, coinciding with the opening of the EsportsNext 2024 Conference.
Mayor Johnson’s proclamation celebrates Chicago as a global hub for esports, highlighting the local ecosystem’s growth, innovation, and community investment.
This recognition honors the hard work and dedication of everyone in the esports community, from businesses and educators to players and fans.
Megan Van Petten, founder of the Esports Trade Association, emphasised that Esports Day is an opportunity to champion the vibrant esports and tech ecosystem in Chicago.
Photo: (left to right – John Davidson; Chair ESTA, Megan Van Patten; Found ESTA, Christian Taylor; Director of Digital Equity City of Chicago.
The EsportsNext 2024 Conference, held from July 7-9 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago and sponsored by Coca-Cola, was a premier event gathering global leaders to explore cutting-edge insights and foster unparalleled networking opportunities.
There were many highlights over the three days, too many moments to document in this piece but generally speaking my highlights of the conference included:
Expert Panels and Discussions:
The conference featured a series of expert panels that delved into crucial topics such as effective investment strategies and the evolving state of the esports industry.
These sessions were not just informative but also highly engaging, with interactive Q&A segments that allowed attendees to actively participate and share their insights.
At times I found it tricky to choose which panel to attend as often there was two discussions with fantastic speakers on at the same time in different rooms.
Specific panel highlights for me were definitely educational based including ‘Maximize the Economic Impact of Esports Tournaments’, ‘Utilize Esports in Your Curriculum’, ‘Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility: IDEA = Belonging’ and ‘Should We Build an Esports Arena?’.
I took something valuable away from all of these discussions and met some amazing connections as a result.
Elevator Pitch Competition: One of the most exhilarating parts of the event was the Elevator Pitch competition.
This year’s twist of letting attendees vote for the winner added an extra layer of excitement. Titus Walker emerged victorious with his compelling pitch for the Ultimate Endgamers League, showcasing innovation and entrepreneurial spirit so congratulations to him, it was well deserved based on his pitch.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend The Esports Industry Awards night which was clearly a glittering affair, celebrating the achievements of industry stalwarts. Ian “Crimsix” Porter’s induction into the 2024 ESTA Hall of Fame was a poignant moment. Known for his legendary career in Call of Duty, Crimsix’s influence extends beyond gaming as he now pursues a career in racing with RAFA Racing Club.
The conference also saw the EsportsNext Magazine Launch: The release of the second edition of the official EsportsNext magazine was another highlight.
The magazine features exclusive interviews with industry giants and renowned leaders, offering deep insights into careers and the broader esports landscape. The magazine takes pride of pace in my office! I even caught my 9 year old so reading it the other day!
Reflecting on the Experience
From my personal perspective, as someone who travelled across the pond for EsportsNext 2024, it has become clear that this was not just a conference; it was a celebration of the esports community’s vibrancy and innovation.
It provided a platform for meaningful connections, learning, and inspiration.
As I reflect on the success of this year’s event, I am already looking forward to EsportsNext 2025, anticipating even more groundbreaking discussions and networking opportunities.
My visit to Chicago was an unforgettable experience, blending the excitement of a premier esports conference with the charm of a city rich in culture and history. Being in Chicago for Esports Day was a remarkable experience.
The proclamation by Mayor Johnson and the events surrounding the EsportsNext 2024 Conference highlighted the city’s vital role in the esports industry. This historic day celebrated the past achievements and looked forward to the continued growth and innovation in the esports community.
From exploring the major tourist attractions to engaging with industry leaders, every moment was memorable. For anyone passionate about esports or simply looking to discover a vibrant city, Chicago and EsportsNext are a winning combination.
