On Friday 28 June 2019, academics from the Institute for Sport Business took part in the first ever Future Innovation Sports Tech Global Series in London.

Over 500 industry experts from UK joined together at Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea FC, to discuss future global sports innovation and esports.

The conference covered three tracks: Fan, Athlete and Gamer.

As part of the Gamer track, Dr Emily Hayday, Lecturer for the Institute for Sport Business, was a panel member for ‘Corporate Responsibility and Esports’. Dr Hayday was joined by David Yanton (Executive Chairman of EDGE Esports), Jermah Douglin (Operations Director at Mavreel), and Mike Barnes (Esports Programme Manager at Digital Schoolhouse) for the panel discussion.

Emily commented:

It is essential for Loughborough University London to discuss and share insights from current Esport research with industry, through platforms like the Future Innovation Sports Tech Global Series, to allow discussion on current and critical issues. By being involved in events like Future Innovation Sports Tech, we continue to strengthen the great connection between academia and industry.

Alumnus Sid Kholi, who now works for BBC Sports, was also part of the event, leading the ‘Future of Media/ OTT’ panel under the Fan track.

The UK Hype SPIN Accelerator Demo Day also took place as part of the conference.