Creator Summit | Speakers (original) (raw)
Adam Kunz Writer & Producer, AM Productions
Adam Kunz
Writer & Producer, AM Productions
Bio:
Adam Kunz has spent his career bridging the worlds of technology and entertainment. On the tech side, Adam has been a COO, Head of Product, Board Member, and Consultant raising millions in capital, developing cutting-edge proprietary technologies, and launching applications with 250k+ monthly active users. Creatively, he has contributed as a Producer, Story Editor, and Head of Product in the gaming and television industries. His work includes major network television and collaborating with artists and influencers to develop their digital content. Throughout his career, Adam has primarily focused on early-stage companies, yet he has also forged partnerships with major entities such as Sony, Warner, Universal, Coca-Cola, Graco, and Live Nation. Adam also runs ALBUM DIGS, a social media project that leverages AI to design houses around iconic albums. This has allowed Adam and his team to create content with some of his favorite musicians. The project was recently featured in Billboard Italy’s Future of Music issue.
.jpg)
Adam Weissman
Founder of Weissman Law, NYC, representing talent, agencies, and production companies in the creator economy
Bio:
Founder of Weissman Law, NYC, representing talent, agencies, and production companies in the creator economy
Business
Allie YoungPresident, *theGAMEhers
Allie Young
President, *theGAMEhers
Bio:
An entrepreneur with a focus on collaboration and partnerships in esports, entertainment, and sports industries.
Business
Andrew GreenbergExecutive Director, Georgia Game Developers Association
Andrew Greenberg
Executive Director, Georgia Game Developers Association
Bio:
Andrew Greenberg, executive director of the Georgia Game Developers Association, has been making his living as a game developer since 1990. A fellow with the Mythic Imagination Institute, Andrew is also organizer of the Southern Interactive Entertainment and Games Expo (SIEGE). He chairs the DeKalb Entertainment Commission and serves on the board of the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office. Best known for designing computer games and roleplaying games, Andrew co-created the “Fading Suns” roleplaying and computer games and was the original developer of White Wolf’s “Vampire: The Masquerade.” He has also worked on products with other roleplaying game companies, including “Star Trek Next Generation” and “Deep Space Nine.” His computer game credits include Dracula Unleashed, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Emperor of the Fading Suns, Warhammer 40K: Final Liberation, Merchant Prince II, Mall Tycoon, Dungeon Crawlers, Dungeon Lords, The Virtual World of Kaneva, Railroad Tycoon Mobile and the Global Agenda MMO. More info can be found at www.andrewgreenberg.com
Anish Godhwani Director of North American Partnerships, Twitch
Anish Godhwani
Director of North American Partnerships, Twitch
Bio:
Anish Godhwani manages a team of high performing Partner Managers who cultivate and deepen relationships with some of the most influential streamers on the platform. With a deep commitment to fostering collaboration and advocating for the community, he is dedicated to empowering creators through education and continual dialogue. Anish has over 6 years of experience with content creators and another 6 years of working in advertising focused on exchange and programmatic bidding. He's currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Business
Asante Bradford
Digital Entertainment & Emerging Technology ,Georgia Department of Economic Development
Bio:
Asante Bradford is a dedicated professional working for the Georgia Center of Innovation (COI), the forefront of business transformation and growth for the State of Georgia. With a strong background in Creative Media, Asante brings technical industry expertise to foster research collaborations and form strategic business partnerships, enabling the entertainment industries in Georgia to connect, compete, and thrive. In addition, Asante plays a crucial role in educating potential prospects about the Georgia Entertainment Industry Incentives Act, providing valuable information to support and promote the growth of the Georgia entertainment industry.
AshsaidhiContent CreatorBio:
Hi! My name is Ash (she/her) and I am a Twitch broadcaster and entertainer. My energetic and infectious passion for video games drove my path to success in becoming a partner and Twitch Ambassador. The AshSaidHi channel started on Twitch in March 2019. My show focuses on classic gaming and modern games with a retro feel. I am known on Twitch for my extensive collection of games, consoles, and Nintendo merchandise. My mission is to connect with others through the joy and nostalgia of video games. As a Twitch Ambassador, my channel is featured on the front page of Twitch frequently so I am accustomed to performing in front of a sizable audience while keeping my channel family-friendly and fun. I structure the flow of my chat to be highly engaging. You can think of me as the "Mr. Rogers of Twitch." I often share personal stories about how gaming shaped who I am. From playing video games with my mother and father to adventures I had building my collection, Swing by for the hilarity and “Don’t forget to tell your friends, Ash said hi!”
Business
Austen RobertsExecutive Producer, Skillshot Media
Austen Roberts
Executive Producer, Skillshot Media
Bio:
Veteran esports producer/director for live events and online broadcast. Working with a multitude of streamers, influences and esports professional players creating a unique and entertaining story-line. Several years of experience dealing with crewing, talent, budgets, pre and post production pieces for small and large quality broadcasts both on live stream and network television. Served as the Showrunner for the inaugural Rogue Company Invitational hosted in our facility this past January along with Executive Produced and Managed the production for the first pro wresting event, "Zicky Dice's Outlandish Paradise" for Twitch. Coordinated and Produced three Live broadcast for Brawlhalla a Ubisoft licensed studio 2 exclusive HP Omen Oasis Championships and 1 World Championship, Executive Produced and Coordinated both a live to tape and post production project along side Warner Media executing four one hour segment shows in a single day with 16 remote feeds all over the United States Produced, Directed, or TD'ed: Brawlhalla Midseason Invitational (10-12); June Microsoft Atlanta HQ Grand Opening (May 3, 2022); Collegiate Esports Commissioner's Cup (May 4-6, 2022); Zicky Dice Trouble in Paradise (April 1, 2022); Cxmmunity Doordash Rocket League Showcase (March 30, 2022); Brawlhalla HP Omen Invitational (February 27-28, 2022); Rogue Company Invitational (January 4-5, 2022); Zicky Dice Outlandish Paradise (January 15, 2022); BR Gaming Nintendo Switch Winter Challenge (December 6, 2021); Brawlhalla Finals (November 13-14, 2021); HSEL Homeroom Fall Season (October-December, 2021) Brawlhalla Invitational (September 18, 2021); Queens Dar Alliance Showcase (June 22, 2021); NACE Spring Championship (April 23-24, 2021); Madden Showcase (January 13, 2021); (HyperX Showdown: Knockout (June 5, 2019); Triple Crown Royale (June 22, 2019); PlayTime with KittyPlays (June 21, 2019); NHL World Gaming Championship (June 18, 2019); Allied Esports R6 Minor for Ubisoft (June 7-9, 2019); DragonBall Legends Showdown (May 21-23, 2019).
Business
Bem JoinerPrincipal/Cultural Conduit, Atlanta Influences Everything
Bem Joiner
Principal/Cultural Conduit, Atlanta Influences Everything
Bio:
Bem Joiner has managed and/or consulted on many Lifestyle/Cultural Immersion projects for a variety of clients including Sprite, Mississippi Dept. of Education, truth.com, National Black Arts Festival, Nissan, Jack Daniels, Vitamin Water and countless others. He has also booked "early-adopter" shows for Drake, Kendrick Lamar and the Goodie Mob reunion. Bem is also one of the founders of CreativeCall.org which is a community service effort/collaboration between Atlanta and Stockholm creatives and was most recently the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Center for Civic Innovation in South Downtown Atlanta. He is also currently sitting on the boards of three non-profits, Chop Art & The Wren's Nest and the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project.
Bob CarterBio:
Bob Carter is an internationally recognized Voice Actor, Audio Director, Voice Coach, & Media Advisor known for voicing characters such as Ptah & Set in Asgard's Wrath 2, Black Adam in Multiversus, Odin, Olorun, & Atlas in SMITE, Balrog in the Street Fighter series, Shao Khan & Baraka in Mortal Kombat 9, Bojack in Dragonball Z, Lifeless Planet, Arcadegeddon, Saga of Sins, and many other popular characters across a wide range of video games. Carter also has voiced many anime projects such as Rise of the Shield Hero, Lycoris Recoil, Misfit of Demon King Academy, Gundam Build Divers, Mashle, Tokyo 24th Ward, Odd Taxi, Housing Complex C, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Fairy Tail, My Hero Academia, Dragonball Z, Full Metal Alchemist, Samurai 7, Blassreiter, and many other cartoons, anime series, audio books, and audio dramas. He's an avid TTRPGer & DM who owns the Neighborhood Studio- a Teaching & Production Studio in Atlanta where he helps Aspiring Creatives become Working Creatives. He is also a Celebrity D&D Gamer with decades of experience playing in and running various D&D, Pathfinder, Heroes Unlimited, and Star Wars Campaigns if people or other Creatives want to get together for fun Celebrity Panels as well.
Brandon Butler CEO, Butter.ATL
Brandon Butler
CEO, Butter.ATL
.png)
Bio:
Brandon Butler, partner and Chief Culture & Innovation Officer at Majority, unites multicultural talent with award-winning capabilities. His innovative vision drives Butter.ATL, Atlanta's premier culture channel, and inspires at leading organizations such as Dagger and Accenture. Recognized for his contributions, he has made Adweek’s Creative 100 and Atlanta Magazine's 500 Most Powerful Leaders list. A distinguished speaker and thought leader, Butler uses his influence to uplift and inspire.
Brian DickmanPresident, Cleverlike Studios
Brian Dickman
President, Cleverlike Studios
Bio:
Mr. Dickman has assembled a team of innovative educators and game designers to produce some of the world’s most engaging educational content in popular video games. The team specializes in Minecraft, Fortnite Creative, Unreal Editor for Fortnite(UEFN), Unreal Engine and other Interactive 3D titles. They are Minecraft Global Training Partners specializing in helping educators use Minecraft to teach coding, cybersecurity, and esports. They are also Epic Games partners offering professional development for educators looking to leverage video game platforms in the classroom. Learn more at www.cleverlike.com.
Brian GraysonHead of Game Development, Ghost Gaming
Brian Grayson
Head of Game Development, Ghost Gaming
Bio:
With over a decade of leadership in the games industry, I understand how to scale companies, drive revenue, and lead cross-functional teams. I helped transform Hi-Rez Studios from a modest indie studio into a global games business, and I’ve navigated the challenges of founding studios at Prophecy Games, Lionheart Games, and Starmi. I have experience with product management, game design, business management, and law. If you are looking to grow your studio or project, or if you are building games with UEFN, let’s connect!
CC "TheActualCC"Content Creator
CC "TheActualCC"
Content Creator
Bio:
CC (TheActualCC) has been creating content since 2018 across multiple platforms amassing over 400,000 total followers/subscribers. His main focus has been across the sports gaming world with a focus on EA Madden NFL garnering over 80 million views on YouTube. While being born in Canada he now calls Atlanta home for the last 25 years as he made the shift from the corporate lifestyle to content creation to spend more time with his family.
Cameron PaynePrevious Fortnite Creator Ecosystem, Epic Games. Currently Cameron Payne Group LLC
Cameron Payne
Previous Fortnite Creator Ecosystem, Epic Games. Currently Cameron Payne Group LLC
Bio:
Strategic product leader with over 20 years of experience in successfully defining, developing, launching and operating high-profile consumer-facing products and services for digital and interactive entertainment businesses. Highly analytical, metric-driven and focused on the customer experience, combining deep business and marketing expertise with broad technical fluency. Especially skilled in bringing together business, technical and creative teams to deliver high-impact products and services. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with extensive experience working closely with senior management. Proven ability to manage a wide portfolio of products and large multi-disciplinary teams. Passionate about innovation and bringing new products and services to market. Specialties: Publishing, product marketing, live services, product strategy, international publishing, product GTMs, product launches, product development, business strategy, business operations, consumer marketing, digital distribution, videogames, interactive entertainment, new media, online services, online games, free to play, MMOs, social gaming, social media, betas
Chris LeDouxCo-Founder-Chairman, Crafty Apes
Chris LeDoux
Co-Founder-Chairman, Crafty Apes
Bio:
Hailing from Alaska, Chris LeDoux's fascination with cinema and storytelling paved the way for his illustrious career in visual effects (VFX). His journey, beginning as a compositor, has led him to his current role as a high-level VFX supervisor and director. More recently, LeDoux has extended his expertise to encompass the arenas of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and computer vision, leveraging these advanced technologies to drive further innovation in the VFX industry and enrich narrative filmmaking. LeDoux’s portfolio showcases collaborations with acclaimed filmmakers on highly-regarded projects, such as Hidden Figures, La La Land, and 12 Years a Slave, as well as TV series like Stranger Things. His directorial talent is displayed on CW’s Pandora, where he also serves as a producer. Furthermore, he has directed commercials for high-profile clients, including Boeing. Currently based in Atlanta, the hub of Crafty Apes' headquarters, LeDoux balances his professional life with his personal life, spending quality time with his wife and three children. An identifiable figure in the VFX industry, he is often seen sporting his favorite Seahawks cap.
Chris StuckeyCo-Owner & Co-Chairman, MomoCon
Chris Stuckey
Co-Owner & Co-Chairman, MomoCon
Bio:
As a seasoned executive with over 19 years of leadership experience, I blend expertise in marketing, product management, and business development with a strong technical foundation. My passion lies in harnessing the power of technology, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, to drive strategic growth and innovation. With a track record of success in both startups and established companies, I excel at bridging the gap between technology, marketing, and business strategy to foster growth and stay ahead of industry trends.
Cooper Fiscus-van RossumGeneral Manager, Georgia Esports League
Cooper Fiscus-van Rossum
General Manager, Georgia Esports League
Bio:
Since 2018, Cooper Fiscus-van Rossum has been dedicated to expanding and enriching the experience of scholastic esports coaches and players competing both in Georgia and national leagues. After 7+ years as a strategic marketer and graphic designer working with companies in the Travel, Education, Tech, and Real Estate industries, he took a call to spearhead a scholastic esports program during the inaugural year of varsity high school esports in Georgia. During his time as head coach for The Mount Vernon School League of Legends and Rocket League program, Mr. Fiscus-van Rossum produced and hosted the 2020 State Championship (League of Legends/Rocket League) in collaboration with PlayVS and the Georgia High School Association. Since then, Mr. Fiscus-van Rossum has gone on to co-found a national professional organization for High School and Collegiate esports coaches (that specializes in coach education and community league operations), founded a non-profit that provides grants for underfunded scholastic programs, produced and cast live-streamed esports state championships and playoff matches for national titles, worked with Cloud9 Training Grounds on a Scholastics Training Beta Program, became a board member of the Georgia Scholastic Esports Foundation (GSEF), worked with Skillshot and Velan Studios to continue furthering the development of scholastic esports in Georgia, joined the Georgia Film Academy to teach esports centric courses, and most recently been named the Commissioner of the Georgia Esports League.
Education
Darren GloverVP of Gaming, VaynerSports
Darren Glover
VP of Gaming, VaynerSports
Bio:
Darren Glover is the VP of Gaming at VaynerSports (Gary Vaynerchuk’s sports agency), where he oversees gaming talent representation and gaming brand consultation. With over 40M+ followers across talent, he currently represents two of the largest names in the industry, Bugha and Clix, in addition to the largest web3 gaming creator, Brycent. Darren is a lifelong marketing and brand-building innovator. He’s obsessed with understanding today's consumers, finding the most valuable ways to connect with them, and ultimately accomplishing business objectives and driving revenue for his clients. His experience comes from working with professional athletes, Fortune 100 consumer brands, live streaming platforms, gaming publishers, and come of largest gaming content creators in the industry. Outside of his role at VaynerSports, Darren is an early stage investor with his business partner and NBA star Grayson Allen, and an advisor to a handful of companies in the gaming, tech, media and sports industry.
Donnie BeamerSenior Technology Advisor, City of Atlanta
Donnie Beamer
Senior Technology Advisor, City of Atlanta
Bio:
Results-focused business & corporate development professional with 11+ years of experience driving profitability through new product introduction and strategy execution. Dedicated the past 7 years to innovation, making analog tasks and experiences digital by implementing technology, automation and user-centric process design. Resourceful team player with expertise in financial modeling and analysis, people management and relationship cultivation with internal and external constituents. Capable of leading multiple, cross-functional teams and projects.
DuckyContent Creator, Ghost Gaming
Ducky
Content Creator, Ghost Gaming
Bio:
DuckytheGamer is a prominent YouTube star known for his DuckyTheGamer channel, where he shares a variety of content including Let's Play vlogs, tips, and playthroughs for numerous mobile gaming titles such as Madden NFL, NBA 2K, and Clash of Clans. His channel, which he launched in May 2012, quickly gained popularity among gaming enthusiasts seeking strategies and insights for their favorite games. Originally hailing from the United States, DuckytheGamer comes from a gaming-oriented family with his older brother streaming on Twitch under the account FloodedAlpaca69. He has also collaborated with fellow YouTuber MaliciousMiles on various projects, showcasing a strong sense of community within the gaming content creator sphere. With his engaging personality and informative videos, DuckytheGamer continues to attract a dedicated fan base eager to learn and be entertained by his gaming expertise.
Business
Dylen RobertsDirector of Production Operations, Skillshot
Dylen Roberts
Director of Production Operations, Skillshot
Bio:
An accomplished and proven broadcast and Esports production professional that is skilled in managing people and planning. Oversee the production workflow and manage communication with an extensive understanding of broadcasting. Covers event operations logistics including line technical directing and camera operations. Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Acknowledged for bringing cross-functional teams together to achieve a common goal.
Ethan ByrdEsports Coordinator, Kennesaw State University
Ethan Byrd
Esports Coordinator, Kennesaw State University
Bio:
I'm the Commissioner of the Georgia Esports League, a college ambassador for Ghost Gaming, and the Esports Coordinator at Kennesaw State University. At KSU I spearhead and cultivate a dynamic environment for competitive gaming, ensuring our programs not only thrive but also set benchmarks in the collegiate esports landscape. While my passion for esports is evident in the successes of our teams, I'm also deeply intrigued by the world of cybersecurity. I'm currently immersing myself in the latest techniques and strategies in the cyber realm, with aspirations to transition into a role as a Cyber Security Analyst. I believe that my unique blend of esports coordination and an understanding of cyber systems provides a distinctive perspective, combining fast-paced decision-making skills with meticulous attention to digital detail.
Education
GrndpaGaming
Content Creator
Bio:
Early Life and Military Background of GrndPaGaming: Before becoming a renowned figure in the online gaming community, GrndPaGaming had a distinguished career in the United States Navy. Born on January 14, 1952, in the United States, he eventually transitioned from military service to pursuing a passion in competitive gaming. Rise to Fame in the Gaming Community: GrndPaGaming, a 72-year-old Capricorn, is a celebrated gaming content creator who has gained substantial recognition on platforms such as TikTok. Specializing in competitive shooters like Apex Legends and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, his unique position as a senior gamer has attracted over 1.6 million followers who appreciate his skills and engaging gaming content. Notable Achievements and Viral Success: His ability to resonate with a wide audience was highlighted in late 2023 when his Battlefield video tutorial on sniper aiming techniques titled "Running headshot with a #grndpagaming tutorial on how to #aim as a #sniper" went viral, amassing over 7.5 million views. This particular video secured his position as an influential content creator in the competitive gaming community.
Business
.avif)
Hana "Nebbiiee" DarleyContent Creator, Ghost Gaming
Hana "Nebbiiee" Darley
Content Creator, Ghost Gaming
Bio:
I have a passion for esports and all things gaming. I bring 5+ years of experience creating content across all platforms, including Twitch, Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter. I have found nothing satisfies me more than connecting with people just as passionate about the gaming, and esports space as I am. One of my main goals is to help to grow the collegiate esports scene, and establish a bridge between the collegiate space, to launch students into full-time careers in the professional space.
Hannah "NoisyButters" BryanContent Creator
Hannah "NoisyButters" Bryan
Content Creator
Bio:
Hey yall! My name is Butters and I like to make videos on gaming, tech, vlogs, and other topics I find interesting. Positivity and Happiness!
Jihan JohnstonBeatbotics & Education Specialist, NASEF
Jihan Johnston
Beatbotics & Education Specialist, NASEF
Bio:
Immerse yourself in the impactful narrative of Jihan Johnston, a distinguished tech industry professional and educational specialist, proudly affiliated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Her commitment to fostering positive change through gaming and esports is a testament to her visionary leadership. Hailing from Philadelphia, Jihan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Saint Augustine's University and pursued a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Driven by a desire to empower adolescents, she pioneers groundbreaking work, leveraging the power of gaming to promote financial and business literacy. Recognized for her expertise, Jihan serves as an advisor member for the Onside Gaming Fund for Women Win and the Warrior GMR foundation. In her role as an educational specialist with the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), she champions educational opportunities for high school students through esports. As the co-curator of BeatBotics, Jihan's visionary leadership takes center stage, showcasing the transformative impact of digital technology in esports, gaming, metaverse, and AI, particularly within black and brown communities. Her trailblazing spirit and commitment to amplifying the voices of these communities are truly inspiring. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in informatics, with a focus on the rich culture of black HBCU esports, Jihan stands as the first African American female to embark on such academic research. Her groundbreaking work becomes a beacon of inspiration, paving the way for future generations to embrace their passions and make a lasting impact. Jihan Johnston's exceptional journey and unwavering dedication remind us of our power to uplift communities, break barriers, and inspire positive change. She is a true catalyst for transformation, leaving an indelible mark on the world and inspiring others to embrace their unique paths, guiding them to leave a lasting impact on the world.
Julian "Aeolus" CaggianoManaging Director, Ghost Gaming
Julian "Aeolus" Caggiano
Managing Director, Ghost Gaming
Bio:
Leader in esports and gaming entertainment with nearly a decade of experience in building some of the industries biggest brands. Currently Managing Director of Ghost Gaming with previous roles including Founder/CEO of One Percent, Director of Luminosity Gaming, Owner & General Manager of Obey Alliance.
Karima "Supreme Sensai" Winter
Sr Community Manager at Cxmmunity Media & Host for the HBCU Esports League
Bio:
With over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry as a casual gamer, Supreme has begun to break down barriers as a newfound content creator in this space. She was named Creative Director of Cxmmunity Media Co. in Atlanta shortly after graduating from Towson University with a B.S. in Sport Management amid the pandemic. She has worked on numerous projects such as Xbox ‘Power Her Dreams’ campaign narrated by Vanessa Bryant, developed a gaming strategy for Space Jam: A New Legacy starring LeBron James, Jordan Peele’s, Candyman, Verizon, Discover, and Nike - House of Hoops to name a few. Esports hosting include Cxmmunity Media - HBCU Esports League, Twitch, GenG, Version 1, the*gameHERs, Esports Business Summit, and more! With her experience in social media management, Supreme continues to storm through the esports industry on a personal and professional level using unique and "trending" marketing techniques to grow the brands. Prior to joining the Cxmmunity Media team, she became a part-time content creator on Twitch. Supreme has networked and done many projects with other Black content creators within the gaming community to truly understand the need for more representation in the industry. She has managed to grow her own community on Twitch to over 1,000 people within a few months. Karima is also a professionally trained dancer and uses her dancing as one of many ways to market both her own brand and Cxmmunity's.
Milan "Tygarlily" McKinnonContent Creator, AntOnline
Milan "Tygarlily" McKinnon
Content Creator, AntOnline
Bio:
I am passionate about storytelling, educating, entertaining, and spotlighting amazing products. My heart is in video-games, technology, and fitness. I'm driven to produce quality content and I enjoy working to meet the needs of my partners.
Nick SchittonePresident, AMA Atlanta & Chief Growth Officer, Hothouse, Inc
Nick Schittone
President, AMA Atlanta & Chief Growth Officer, Hothouse, Inc
Bio:
Experienced Executive Vice President Business Development with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. Skilled in Agency Planning, Business Development, Client Relationships, Strategic Partnerships and Marketing Strategy. Experience navigating conversations with challenger and leading brands in Entertainment, Automotive, Consultative, CPG, Hospitality, Healthcare and Fintech sectors.
Nicolas BailliacheCo-Founder, eStreamly
Nicolas Bailliache
Co-Founder, eStreamly
Bio:
Made in France, based in Atlanta Y'all! Nicolas is the co-founder of eStreamly, a live and video commerce SAAS platform empowering brands, retailers and creators to engage shoppers and sell seamlessly using the power of shoppable videos. Prior to eStreamly, Nicolas was a sales leader at Naturex (acquired by Givaudan), a company supporting CPGs & brands transitioning to Natural Foods. Citizen of the world, he had the opportunity to work and live across several continents. Passionate about Innovation & Commerce, he loves exploring, learning and having a positive impact people's lives.
PK "Ch3m1st' GraffDirector, Ghost Gaming Academy
PK "Ch3m1st' Graff
Director, Ghost Gaming Academy
Bio:
I am reinventing education to make sense to our future selves and not ourselves today. Video Games are the medium and the subject of the future of education. I am writing it today.
Scott VotawExecutive Director, Georgia Film Academy
Scott Votaw
Executive Director, Georgia Film Academy
Bio:
C. Scott Votaw, an entertainment arts and academic industries global expert, serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for the University System of Georgia, where he leads the Georgia Film Academy. With over 25 years of experience working for production companies including Saban, Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd. and others, Scott has a deep knowledgebase of film production, 2D/3D animation, special FX, motion capture, post-production. Through 10 years of education experience, he also holds expertise in current and trending production needs, training and educational circular creation and workforce development. Most recently, as an international consultant with CSV-Consulting, Scott worked for studio infrastructure providers, workforce development and emerging technology companies within the film and entertainment production sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to this, Scott supported efforts to grow the film and TV production industry in Georgia through maintaining a highly trained and industry standard workforce by creating/advising some of the most successful educational programs globally. Votaw also served as vice president of production and development for Classic Entertainment for seven years and president of KidzVid Entertainment for six years, overseeing creation of programing for the U.S. and global markets.
Education
Sinclaire HoytSpelman Esports, President / Ghost Gaming, Ambassador
Sinclaire Hoyt
Spelman Esports, President / Ghost Gaming, Ambassador
Bio:
Sinclaire Hoyt is a dynamic force in the world of esports and gaming, making significant strides as a student at Spelman College. With a passion for both technology and social impact, Sinclaire has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between black girls and the gaming industry. Currently pursuing a degree at Spelman College, Sinclaire has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in her efforts to create more inclusivity within the gaming community. As the founder and president of the Spelman Esports program, she has actively worked to challenge stereotypes and foster a more diverse and welcoming environment for black girls in the gaming world. Sinclaire's commitment to education and empowerment is evident in her advocacy for STEAM programs tailored to young black girls, encouraging them to explore opportunities in gaming and technology. She has organized workshops and seminars providing invaluable resources and guidance to aspiring black female gamers. Beyond her activism, Sinclaire has leveraged her skills in game design and development to create projects that resonate with underrepresented communities. Her innovative game designs not only entertain but also address social issues, aiming to spark meaningful conversations and promote positive change. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sinclaire has collaborated with industry leaders and organizations to amplify the voices of black girls in gaming. Through her engaging talks and presentations, she shares insights on the importance of diversity in the gaming industry, challenging the status quo and inspiring others to follow suit. Sinclaire Hoyt is undoubtedly a rising star in the esports and gaming industry, using her platform as a Spelman College student to make lasting contributions towards a more inclusive and equitable future for black girls in gaming. With her unwavering dedication and visionary approach, Sinclaire is poised to continue shaping the landscape of esports and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Education
Stephen EllisCEO + Founder, Zygo Media & Pipeline
Stephen Ellis
CEO + Founder, Zygo Media & Pipeline
Bio:
Spent my early 20s competing as a professional gamer in over 40+ countries and streaming to millions on Twitch. Being at the beginning of Twitch, I became really passionate about the creator economy and spent the second half of my 20s at Facebook building out the gaming video business (monetization, video infra, global creator programs). After seeing how poorly the industry supported aspiring creators, my co-founder and I set out to change this. We bootstrapped Pipeline a few years ago and are now backed by some of the biggest creators, founders and execs in the gaming industry. Our community is now 5000+ strong but we're just getting started. The future of work looks like an entire generation building an audience online and monetizing it. We are going to accelerate the industry towards a healthier middle class. As our creators found success through our programs, their needs grew. For years we had a joint venture with the leading content production agency in gaming, Zygo Media. After working together closely and realizing both myself and the founder of Zygo (Gareth) had a shared vision for the future of our industry, we decided to merge our companies.
.avif)
TJ StephensYouth Coach, Ghost Gaming Academy | President of Esports Club, University of Georgia
TJ Stephens
Youth Coach, Ghost Gaming Academy | President of Esports Club, University of Georgia
Bio:
TJ Stephens is a young but accomplished leader and speaker on the topic of esports. As a sophomore at The University of Georgia, TJ leads a program of 2,000 student club members, while also working with brands and schools around the state to promote scholastic esports. He also works with Ghost Gaming as an Ambassador and he coaches Ghost Gaming Academy students to help position the state of Georgia as a leader in esports.
TacticalGramma
Content Creator
Bio:
Just a Gramma living in her kid basement playing video games! I’ve played video games since I was 7, Pong came out and I never stopped. My goal is to cultivate a community that is kind and welcoming to all. I love hanging out with you guys and having a good time!
Business
TheRealFoodStalkerContent Creator
TheRealFoodStalker
Content Creator
Bio:
I've always had a love of food, whether it's cracking apart some Blue Crabs or chowing down on juicy lamb chops, I love it all. Everyone is a foodie at heart and it doesn't matter what you prefer, as long as you're enjoying your meal, right? It's all about the experience. Maybe you're a cookbook collector or maybe you like to cook with your kids, no matter how experienced you are in the kitchen there are always new tools and ingredients to try.
Business
Thom "F." BadingerOn Air Personality
Thom "F." Badinger
On Air Personality
Bio:
I've spent over a decade in professional Esports and have learned a ton from my time on the field. A strong understanding of my craft and a dedication to improvement and education allows me to bring the best of myself to every broadcast. Beyond on-air, having the opportunity to work with many talented people in many different roles gives me unique perspective that equips me to both plan for the future and also find quick solutions to emergent problems.
.avif)
Todd HarrisFounder & CEO, Skillshot Media
Todd Harris
Founder & CEO, Skillshot Media
Bio:
Todd is an accomplished entrepreneur who has been leading video game and esports businesses for 15 years and involved with technology product startups for 25 years. After leading product development at FinTech companies Radiant Systems and BlueCube Software, Todd co-founded Hi-Rez Studios, one of the largest video game studios in the Southeast with 120 million players of their games. Todd is currently Founder & CEO of Skillshot Media, a leading esports production company, CEO of esports professional org Ghost Gaming, Chair of the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF), and Chair of the Atlanta Esports Alliance. Skillshot connects leading brands to engaged esports fans. The company has produced thousands of esports events and live-stream productions, paid out over $10M in prizing for competitive video games, and delivered over 1 billion views of esports content. Ghost Gaming is an Atlanta-based professional esports team and gaming lifestyle brand that has won 15 tournament championships and cultivated a fan base of over 20 million. NASEF is the leading scholastic esports solution for K-12 students, providing opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Atlanta Esports Alliance is a division of the Atlanta Sports Council with a mission to establish Metro Atlanta as a global esports capital.
Business
Tom CzyzCo-Founder, Intent Brands: SLY® & Doctor of Optometry
Tom Czyz
Co-Founder, Intent Brands: SLY® & Doctor of Optometry
Bio:
Providing expert insight into the field of Health, Nutrition, Eye Health, Circadian Rhythm (Sleep-Wake Cycle), Blue Light’s effect on Sleep Working with Gamers & Esports athletes to improve their overall health & performance via : Sleep, Nutrition, Physical & Mental Health and Lifestyle.