Written by Christopher Sword, Founder of Viperio.
As owner of an esports club and a young professional, I understand the importance of networking and knowledge sharing. Virtual meetings with specialists and wider esports stakeholders has become a regular part of my weekly schedule, as I look to drive new business for Viperio, strengthen collaboration with partners, and seek guidance from experts with more knowledge and experience than myself.
While virtual meetings are convenient and cost effective, my strongest professional relationships have all been enhanced by face to face engagement.
Esports Insider is universally known for their top-tier professional networking events. I’ve been a regular at the last three ESI London events and all ESI NextGen conferences. I’m a massive advocate for attendance as I always see value in meeting with both old and new faces alike.
However, when Sam Cooke announced the 2024 event schedule, one event stood out: ESI Lisbon 2024.
The decision to host this year’s flagship ESI event in Lisbon is a strategic and refreshing change that opens doors for a broader European delegate pool. With an action packed agenda, here is why I believe that ESI Lisbon could, and should be, the best Esports Insider conference to date:
1. A gathering of the best of the best esports has to offer
The most exciting addition for ESI Lisbon is the debut of Esports Leaders, an invite-only gathering for c-suite executives from the most established esports teams, tournament operators, game publishers, brands, and sponsorship agencies.
Taking place off-site at the luxurious Montes Claros – Lisbon Secret Spot, the top echelon of those in esports, gaming and intersecting sectors, as well as select non-endemic brands will have the opportunity to share best practice, discuss trends and strategy alignment. Esports leaders also levels up the hospitality experience for esports executives, facilitating meaningful conversations in one of ESI’s most luxurious and relaxed settings to date.
The goal of Esports Leaders is to drive industry wide success and real outcomes. Attendees includes tier one teams like G2 Esports and Natus Vincere, organisers like Esports World Cup and StarLadder, and brands like Raddison Hotel Group and Deutsche Telekom. I’m looking forward to meeting these key figures and hoping to walk away with new relationships and insights I did not have before.
2. A convergence of esports & sports betting professionals
One of the most compelling benefits of having ESI Lisbon in September is alignment with SBC Summit 2024, a globally leading sports betting and iGaming conference, taking place in Lisbon during the same week. With sports betting playing a key role in the success of some esports scenes, this crossover opens up greater opportunities for new partnerships.
ESI Lisbon is one of the official conference zones for SBC Summit ticket holders, so I’m expecting to see many fresh faces on the ESI event floor, as key decision makers from across the sports betting and iGaming industry look to better connect with the esports industry. I expect to see new mutually beneficial partnerships to emerge off of the back of this event alignment, hopefully some for Viperio.
3. A global networking event for a global industry
Having attended the last three ESI London events at BOXPARK Wembley, I began to notice that the majority of attendees were based in the UK, and many international stakeholders were not in attendance. ESI Lisbon looks to address this, with over 40 countries represented. Combining ESI Lisbon and SBC Summit, attendance across the two events is expected to exceed 25,000+ professionals.
For a team like Viperio, we are always looking to expand our global relationships and footprint. This is a chance to connect with international partners, sponsors, and even potential investors. The networking socials occurring throughout the daytime and evening gives me confidence that there will be plenty of opportunity to make the most of this global pool of talent and expertise.
4. A celebration of Creativity and Excellence
Recognising best practice is crucial for professionals aiming to elevate their work, and ESI’s awards and recognition events offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate those who are leading the charge in the esports industry. These events not only highlight success but also provide valuable lessons for others looking to improve their own initiatives.
The ESI Film Festival will shine a spotlight on the most talented storytellers in esports. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the creativity and passion that drive our industry. I’m particularly excited to see the films this year and am inspired by the idea of Viperio entering this competition in the future.
The ESI Hall of Fame will honor those who have made exceptional contributions to esports. This recognition serves as both a celebration and a source of inspiration. ESI Lisbon will undoubtedly showcase the best of what our industry has to offer. I’m looking forward to meeting this year’s inductees.
Conclusion: ESI Lisbon is a Must-Attend for Team Owners
ESI Lisbon is a refreshing change to the Esports Insider calendar. For team owners like myself, it combines networking, innovation, and global opportunities that can’t be found at another esports conference. The exclusive Esports Leaders event, exhibition zones, and networking socials make this a must-attend event for those wanting professional success in esports.
Disclaimer: Viperio has been in a strategic partnership with Esports Insider since 2023, to advocate the benefits of esports teams attending industry events. Learn more in both our 2023 announcement and following extension.
Viperio are offering the esports community 30% off tickets to ESI Lisbon. You can learn more about what is included over on the ESI Lisbon event page.
