InfoComm and AVI Systems have partnered to present InfoComm Esports Live, the first dedicated space for live esports within the InfoComm 2023 trade show, produced by AVIXA, which will take place from June 14th to 16th, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Attendees will be able to enjoy esports action throughout the three days, with a stage featuring live competitions, gaming and technology experts as presenters, play-by-play commentary, interviews and podcasts from the Shoutcast desk, and a complete production area.
"Nothing shows the impact of our industry better than esports," said Brad Sousa, Director of Technology at AVI Systems, a leading provider of audiovisual and unified communications integration solutions. "Live media control rooms, broadcast and production technologies, advanced media over IP networks with a strong dose of competition and event production – that's the technological impact of esports."
At InfoComm Esports Live (Booth 4033), the gaming stage will feature championship-level collegiate teams, including Faulkner University and Talladega College, competing in live Rocket League matches of three versus three players using CORSAIR and Logitech gaming stations. The space will be equipped with large-format screens, multicamera production, gaming monitors, and Sony headphones. Additionally, it will feature Spectrum gaming tables and chairs, Q-SYS lighting and sound control, and an ultra-fast NETGEAR network to ensure everything runs smoothly for the college students and staff in charge.
Attendees will be able to get up close to the production area, which features Newtek's live TV and media production suite, Sony camera controllers and monitors, Q-SYS audio processing controller, and a NETGEAR wired network switch. This powerful solution enables multicamera live production with graphics, titles, and player backgrounds: the perfect way to create an online community of esports enthusiasts.
The Shoutcast stage is where the "play-by-play" coverage will take place. Attendees will see how this contributes to the human perspective of esports matches and the multiple ways to integrate brands and sponsorships into the experience.
Interesting presentations will also be offered, such as a conversation with Caleb Colquitt, head coach of the Faulkner University esports team. Colquitt will talk about how the university launched its esports project on the same level as a university sports team and doubled its recruitment and admissions goals through esports.
In addition, Brad Sousa, Director of Technology at AVI Systems, will discuss how creating an online presence for esports teams connects universities with underprivileged students. Sousa will also discuss how esports create a competitive level playing field between top-tier athletic universities and private universities, as well as the elimination of the gender gap in collegiate sports.
Technology experts from eFootprints will talk about the experiences that many colleges and universities have with technology and how esports level the competitive landscape.
The InfoComm Esports Live space will have an official opening ceremony and champagne toast on Wednesday, June 14th at 10:00 am and coffee and tea on Thursday, June 15th at 9:30 am. In addition, InfoComm attendees interested in esports competition will be able to play on Friday, June 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
"We are excited to partner with AVI Systems and some of the leading manufacturers to showcase the exciting world of esports to the InfoComm audience," said Rochelle Richardson, CEM, Senior Vice President of Expositions and Events at AVIXA, the producer of InfoComm. "InfoComm Esports Live will allow the public to participate in an integrated experience and learn from the experts behind the magic while on the InfoComm show floor."
In addition, InfoComm 2023 offers many more opportunities for attendees to continue on the path of solution-focused learning for content, distribution, and streaming.
On Wednesday, June 14, a panel of experts will teach attendees how to create an AV setup for a live event venue in the "Intro to Live Streaming System Design for Performance Spaces" session. Panelists include content creator Alesia Hendley; Paul Richards from PTZOptics; Rebecca Sullins from AmpThink; Jim Bask from Bradfield Distributing; and Rachael Harris from American Express.
On Thursday, June 15, in the "How Esports Can Take Universities to the Next Level" session, attendees will learn what technology is needed to create a flexible space for esports, including content distribution tools, lighting, and control systems. The panel will also feature a case study on the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), which opened an esports arena in 2022. Panelists include John Hulen from Crestron Electronics; Joshua Kell from Horizon AV; Larry Darling from UNCG Information Technology Services; and Kaylie Shaffer from Crestron Electronics.
InfoComm 2023 offers many more opportunities for attendees to continue on the path of learning centered on content, distribution, and streaming solutions.
On Wednesday, June 14, a panel of experts will teach attendees how to create an AV setup for a live performance venue in the "Intro to Live Streaming System Design for Performance Spaces" session. Panelists include content creator Alesia Hendley; Paul Richards from PTZOptics; Rebecca Sullins from AmpThink; Jim Bask from Bradfield Distributing; and Rachael Harris from American Express.
On Thursday, June 15, in the "How Esports Can Take Universities to the Next Level" session, attendees will learn what technology they need to create a flexible space for esports, including content distribution tools, lighting, and control systems. The panel will also present a case study on the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), which opened an esports arena in 2022. Panelists include John Hulen from Crestron Electronics; Joshua Kell from Horizon AV; Larry Darling from UNCG Information Technology Services; and Kaylie Shaffer from Crestron Electronics.
InfoComm participants can also join the Integrated Experience Tour of Full Sail University from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13. Attendees can explore two of the most unique live event venues: Full Sail Live Venue and Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress, the largest university esports stage in the country.
