Opening Keynote: Esports is More Than a Game: Building an Online Engaged Community

Lori Bajorek is president of the National Esports Association. In her keynote speech she will share first-hand experiences and how the National Esports Association (NEA) is committed to building an online engaged community focused on education, as well as diversity and inclusion. During her 12-year tenure in esports Lori has helped pave the way for women in esports and student gamers with disabilities, while promoting a healthy gaming lifestyle beyond the game and encouraging students to play with a purpose. Esports is the great equalizer, whereas all students can be involved in this community, working as a team, building self-esteem and confidence regardless of physical ability or social acceptability. Lori will share real-life examples of success stories and advise how esports can play a key role in our current educational challenges, as our students learn in a virtual world.