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, 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

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. 

Nik Turner serves as the Managing Director of Ntesports, a company committed to fostering grassroots esports, providing educational consultancy, and running the largest online shop for esports teaching resources. With over a decade of experience in the esports industry, Nik previously held the position of Head of Department at an Ofsted Outstanding College for ten years before shifting his focus to Ntesports. In this role, he has expanded the company's influence through team sponsorships, educational initiatives, and strategic industry partnerships. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of esports professionals, Nik collaborates with students, educators, and industry leaders to develop meaningful career pathways in the field. He also serves as the Chair of the Education Committee at the Esports Trade Association and partners with Yoyotech, the UK's leading provider of esports facilities in education.