The Esports Summit returns to Atlanta on October 14–15 at the Resurgens Center at Uptown Atlanta, uniting video game industry leaders, educators, and students for two days of high-stakes competition, professional development, and career exploration. Organized by Skillshot Media with support from NASEF and Ghost Gaming, the summit highlights how competitive gaming is shaping the future of workforce development and technology education.

This year's event features over 40 industry speakers, SIEGE game development sessions, portfolio reviews, and live collegiate competition. The summit will also host 600 middle and high school students alongside 200+ educators and industry professionals.

“Gaming brings students, educators, and industry leaders together around a shared passion,” said Todd Harris, CEO of Resurgens Gaming. “Esports Summit turns that gaming engagement into real-world skills, mentorship, and clear pathways to careers in the technology and creative economy.”

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Key Highlights & Programming

• Lioness Girl Gaming Expo: A cornerstone initiative connecting 250 middle school girls with female executives and creators across gaming, tech, and entertainment. Featured speakers include Dr. Tope Mitchell (Invest Atlanta), Jaycee Holmes-Nguyen (Spelman Innovation/CodeHouse), Zanada James (Sony PlayStation), Mimi Faust (Television & Entertainment), and Alexandra McInnis (Murder Hornet).
• Live Collegiate Matches: Live campus rivalries planned in an esports studio environment, featuring a Power Esports Conference Rocket League match between nationally ranked programs Syracuse University and West Virginia University, plus a regional Rocket League showcase between Kennesaw State University and Georgia Tech.
• Industry & Publisher Presence: Featuring insights and representation from Epic Games, id Software, Sony, Nintendo, YouTube, FaZe, Ghost Gaming, KOI, USA Esports, and leading academic esports programs.
• Emerging Tech & Drones: A featured presentation from Stay Plugged In detailing how drone training connects to emerging workforce pathways, and previewing an upcoming national drone championship.
• High School & College Career Fair: Hands-on exposure for 350 high school students to explore postsecondary degrees, internship opportunities, and technical career paths.
• Creative Industry Mixer: The conference closes with a networking event for creative professionals across gaming, film, music, sports, live events and other people shaping the creative economy for drinks, hors d'oeuvres, conversation and connections.

Event Details

• Event: Esports Summit
• Dates: October 14–15, 2026
• Location: Resurgens Center at Uptown Atlanta
• Tickets: 2-day Professional Pass ($99), 1-day Game Dev Pass ($50), and Student Pass ($10)
• Organizer: Skillshot Media
• Registration & Info: esportssummit.live
• Key Sponsors: NASEF, Skillshot Media, Ghost Gaming
• Supporting Sponsors: Resurgens Gaming, Zenni Optical, Epic Games, Chick-Fil-A Piedmont, Esports Trade Association, Discover Peoria, Dolby, Fastbreak.ai, Ghost Launchpad, 1000 Dreams, Star Forest, The Imaginality Tour, Georgia Games Developers Association, Georgia Film Academy, Georgia Entertainment, Georgia Esports Network, Atlanta Esports Alliance, Uptown Atlanta

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Games Week Georgia has announced its return to Atlanta in May 2026. Building on its continued growth, Games Week Georgia evolves from a week of programming into a citywide, multi-week initiative, bringing together developers, publishers, brands, creators, educators, and fans through a curated lineup of professional development conferences, community activations, and large-scale consumer events. Beginning on May 2, and continuing through May 24, the month will showcase and celebrate all aspects of the global video game and esports industry in the state.

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“Gaming continues to grow as a global force across entertainment, technology, and culture,” said Todd Harris, CEO of Resurgens Gaming. “By expanding Games Week Georgia into a month-long initiative, we’re creating more opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration across the entire gaming ecosystem,from industry leaders to the next generation of talent.”

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Games Week Georgia events will include:

• Walk for Wishes | May 2
• Creator Summit | May 14
• Game Industry Mixer | May 15
• DreamHack Atlanta, featuring Intel Extreme Masters® and Call of Duty League Major® | May 15–17
• Celebrating the Global Games | May 20
• MomoCon | May 21–24
• Additional events and activities will be announced throughout the month.

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The annual initiative, curated by Resurgens Gaming, highlights the continued rise of gaming as the largest segment of the global entertainment industry and its increasing influence across culture, technology, and education. A month of industry, culture, and community spanning the entire month of May, Games Week Georgia 2026 will feature a diverse slate of programming that connects every layer of the gaming ecosystem — from industry leaders and aspiring developers, to creators and fans.

“Atlanta has become a center of gravity for gaming and esports,” added Grant Wainscott, Vice Chair of the Atlanta Esports Alliance. “This expanded format allows us to demonstrate that impact on an even larger scale.”

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Dual Flagship Events Powering the Experience

Games Week Georgia 2026 will be anchored by two of the largest and most influential gaming and pop culture events — DreamHack Atlanta and MomoCon.  Each event will draw tens of thousands of attendees representing different, but complementary, facets of gaming culture. Together, these events position Atlanta as a premier destination where gaming, creator culture, and fan communities converge at scale.

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DreamHack, the world’s leading gaming lifestyle festival, and part of ESL FACEIT Group, features everything gaming under one roof. This year, DreamHack Atlanta will serve as host for a Call of Duty League® Major for the very first time. The Festival will also feature the first-ever Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Atlanta, bringing one of the world’s most prestigious Counter-Strike 2 competitions to Georgia for the first time, further amplifying the city’s national esports footprint.

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MomoCon anchors Games Week Georgia with one of the largest open gaming and community focused environments in the country, featuring more than 350,000 square feet dedicated to tabletop, digital, and esports experiences. Gaming runs around the clock with overnight access, including massive freeplay console and arcade areas, a full BYOC LAN, PC gaming, rhythm and arcade cabinets, and a broad tabletop library spanning TCGs, board games, and RPGs. The show also highlights indie developers alongside competitive tournaments and casual play, giving attendees space to discover new titles, connect with creators, and jump between communities all weekend. This always-on format brings together competitive players, hobbyists, and fans in a single shared gaming ecosystem.  

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From Professional Development to Massive Fan Engagement

Games Week Georgia maintains its signature progression from industry-focused professional development to large-scale consumer celebration, now extended across multiple weeks.

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This structure creates a unified ecosystem where:

• Industry leaders share insights and build partnerships.
• Creators and brands engage directly with audiences.
• Fans participate in world-class gaming and cultural experiences.

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A Leading Destination for Gaming and Esports

With more than 12,000 jobs tied to digital entertainment across the state, Georgia continues to emerge as a major hub for game development, esports production, and creative technology.

“Games Week Georgia showcases the strength of our interactive entertainment ecosystem while opening doors for students, creators, and professionals across the state,” said Lynda Smith, Chair of the Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia (ETAG).

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Driving Economic Impact and Tourism

Consumer-facing events throughout Games Week Georgia—including DreamHack Atlanta, IEM Atlanta and MomoCon—are expected to draw over 100,000 attendees to the city, further reinforcing Atlanta’s role as a destination for entertainment tourism and large-scale live experiences.

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MomoCon is expected to have an economic impact of $43 million on metro Atlanta over Memorial Day Weekend 2026, reaching hotels, restaurants, venues, and local businesses (according to Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau). 

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Tickets for all events are available now, some at Early Bird discounted pricing. For more information, visit www.gamesweekgeorgia.com.

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Live Event Production Industry remains healthy, growing, and AI-resilient. Here’s your cheat-sheet on why & how to get involved.

Industry Growth

• The live events industry is experiencing expansion, with projections showing the global market set to nearly double by early 2030s as audiences crave immersive, in-person and hybrid experiences.
• Specific to the United States, the Live Event industry is projected to reach between $300B and $530B by 2030 with industry growth rates between 5 - 13% [Allied Market Research, Grand View Research]
• The supporting US Live Event Production Services has similar projected growth reaching $75B by 2034 [Wise Guy Reports]

But I read that AI will take away all the production jobs?

The more AI enables effectively infinite video content, the more consumer demand will increase for authentic LIVE experiences!

• Generative AI is indeed impacting the creation of tv, film, animation, and video content for entertainment and marketing.
• Very soon generative AI generated video content will be indistinguishable from ‘real’ content
• This will trigger a shift from the attention-economy to a trust-economy and a connection-economy.  And the most trust-worthy, authentic, and ‘real’ moments are delivered via live in-person events and live-streaming.
• Hence humans will seek out live experiences with other real humans

From a workforce perspective live production is simply much more AI-resistant than non-live produciton.

• Live is unpredictable and exception-based and one way or another the show must go on.
• What is the norm is equipment malfunction, performer issues, odd audience behavior, and/or last-minute changes - imagine the microphone stops working mid-song or a spotlight motor fails or an esports competitor arrives late or one thousand other exceptions.
• Fundamentally there is a physical, hands-on nature to the work --  Eg.  Coiling cables, lifting trusses, placing mics, assembling stages -- combined with the digital aspect.
• This physical nature of the venue, performers, and audience make these live production jobs far more resistant to full automation than film post-production, CGI, or editing where AI can already generate and manipulate digital visuals effectively.

Examples of 2025 Live Event Investments Local to Georgia:

• Trilith Live -  a 530,000-square foot live entertainment complex including a 2,200 seat theatre and two 25,000 sq foot sound stages for live.
• Centennial Yards - a 5,300 seat venue as part of the $5 billion redevelopment in downtown Atlanta; adding concert and event capability to the entertainment district alongside State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Ravine at Underground - announced two-stage, 181,000 sq foot live music and performance venue at Underground Atlanta
• Gas South Arena - a $170 million expansion and renovation of Gas South Arena and District, home to a 13,000 seat arena a 708-seat theater and convention center with 90,000 sq ft of exhibit space
• The Gathering at South Forsyth - County approved plans for a $3 billion mixed-use development that includes proposed arena aimed at attracting an NHL franchise and broader entertainment uses.
• Resurgens Center - Skillshot Media’s home at Uptown Atlanta with purpose built infrastructure for gaming, esports, and experiential or hybrid livestreamed events.
• And expanded and more varied live event programming coming to Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz, Sanford Stadium (UGA), Center Parc Credit Union Stadium (GSU), etc

Interested?  Here are attributes of people who thrive in live production

Calm Under Pressure.  Live events are high stakes and unforgiving in that the show goes on no matter what.

• Don’t panic when something breaks 5 minutes before live
• Can troubleshoot quickly and accept imperfect solutions
• Stay focused during long days, loud environments, and tight turnar

Strong Work Ethic + Team Mentality.  Live production is a team sport.

• Jump in without being asked
• Don’t disappear during load-in or load-out
• Respect every role, from cable-layer to show runner to department head to client or sponsor

Curiosity and Willingness to Learn.  The industry is always evolving.

• Ask smart questions a the right time
• Learn signal flow, not just button-pushing
• Take notes, watch experienced folks and practice on your own time
• Adapt to new tech and workflow without ego

Still interested???   What is the next step?

• You DO need some initial hands-on experiential training and just as importantly you need industry connections.  It is both what you know and who you know that will get you projects.
• Look for a certification program that is 1) Hands On and 2) Taught by professionals actively working in the live production industry.
• Skillshot has partnered with the Georgia Film Academy to offer a full Live Production pathway! If you are in Georgia we strongly recommend this pathway rrhttps://georgiafilmacademy.edu/academics/courses-pathways/live-production-streaming-esports

Post training, how do I get my first production gig?

Start Where the Work Actually is - Local Crews & Venues

• Most people don’t break in through touring, they start locally.
• Apply or reach out to local production companies, AV houses, staging/lighting/sound vendors, and venues.
• Look for roles like Stagehand, Audio / Lighting / Video tech assistant, Load-in / Load-out crew
• Sign up with local labor providers and freelance lists

Be Extremely Reliable Before Being Extremely Talented

• Live production hires on trust first and skill second when it comes to entry level.  So show up early, listen more than you talk, don’t touch gear unless told and finish jobs.
• Production managers remember Who shows up, Who works hard, & Who doesn't complain at 2 a.m.

Pick One Department First - Choose one area to focus on for 6-12 months while learning basics of others

• Generalists exist but specialist get hired faster
• Common entry gigs include: Audio mic placement patching, Lighting hanging fixtures & cable runs, Video LED walls & camera ops, Stage carpentry, rigging, Production stage manager, runner.

Say Yes Early, Then Raise Your Rate Later

• Early in your career, experience + contacts > money
• Take lower-pay or short-notice gigs early
• Build reputation as “person who saves the day”
• Track your days, skills and responsibilities
• Once people trust you you’ll get first calls, you can raise your day rate, and you’ll get asked to tour or for advance shows

Network Sideways, Not Up

• Most jobs come from other crew members, not bosses
• On every gig:  learn people’s names, ask how they got started, swap contact info after the show goes well, and follow-up:  “great working with you and I’m happy to help in the future
• When someone needs an extra person on the production line they don’t post online - they text someone they already worked with

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Resurgens Gaming, the parent company of Ghost Gaming and Skillshot Media, has taken a strategic equity stake in Insight Marketing, a creative agency known for its work in gaming, cryptocurrency, and Web3 entertainment.

This collaboration brings together some of the most innovative leaders in gaming, marketing, and live entertainment. Julian Caggiano, Managing Director at Ghost Gaming, will continue to lead Insight Marketing, overseeing operations, client strategy, and creative direction. Todd Harris, CEO of Resurgens Gaming and a respected veteran in the interactive media and esports industries, will join Insight Marketing as an advisor, helping guide strategic growth initiatives and cross-company synergies.

“This partnership represents a shared vision for the future of gaming, content, and community,” said Julian Caggiano, CEO of Insight Marketing. “By aligning with Resurgens Gaming, we’re strengthening our foundation and we are unlocking new opportunities for creators, brands, and audiences across the entire ecosystem.”

“Insight has built a reputation for authentic storytelling and cutting-edge digital strategy,” said Todd Harris, CEO of Resurgens Gaming. “We’re thrilled to support Julian and his team as they continue to push the boundaries of creative marketing and brand engagement in gaming, crypto, and more.”

Together, Insight Marketing, Ghost Gaming, and Skillshot Media will continue to develop cross-platform initiatives that connect brands, creators, and fans through live events, digital activations, and innovative content campaigns.

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AI-driven gaming and technology solutions studio August Interactive has entered into a multi-faceted collaboration with Resurgens Gaming to power its upcoming 2026 entertainment projects, uniting expertise in high-stakes event production with operational security.

August Interactive’s current initiatives include ‘Gamers & Guardians‘, a recurring weekly event hosted online and live-streamed that brings together veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families for connection through gaming. The year-round program, which provides a space for participants to unwind, is also shaping the development of the Military Esports League, which aims to become a premier military gaming festival.

The alliance aims to leverage the backgrounds of August Interactive’s co-founders to create new gaming experiences. The partnership will utilise the combined resources of Resurgens Gaming’s portfolio, including esports organisation Ghost Gaming, live events and live-stream production company Skillshot Media, and publisher Launchpad, to support August Interactive’s ambitious roadmap. The collaboration brings together Sarah Kneller‘s experience in shaping Dota 2’s The International and Kristin Wood‘s two-decade career in government intelligence at CIA.

Kneller’s work on The International, which helped establish the tournament’s multi-million dollar prize pools and prestige, is paired with Wood’s background in building secure, mission-critical operations. This combination of creative community-building and operational rigour is positioned as a key differentiator for the new venture.

Sarah Kneller, Co-Founder and CXO of August Interactive, stated, “The International taught us that magical moments in gaming happen when community, competition, and storytelling align perfectly. Partnering with Resurgens gives us even more opportunities to create these experiences for more players and fans.”

Jon “JB” Bukosky, Chief Commercial Officer of Resurgens Gaming and Member of the Advisors Board at August Interactive, highlighted the unique nature of the collaboration. “What makes this partnership particularly unique is the synergy between our founders’ backgrounds,” he said. “When you combine Sarah’s deep understanding of what makes gaming communities thrive… with Kristin’s two decades of building secure, mission-critical operations at the CIA, you get something special. Their complementary expertise allows August Interactive to create gaming experiences that are not only engaging but built on a foundation of trust and operational excellence.”

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