Spring speaker series focuses on esports

January 20, 2021

Andrea Miller
907-474-5942

Esports professionals will share how students and others can get involved in the industry during a series of free public online discussions sponsored by the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management.

The Spring Esports Speaker Series is sponsored by SOM’s sport and recreation business program. Guests from across the country will speak once per month from January through April.

Esports and gaming have seen exponential growth in recent years. The trend accelerated in 2020 as people socially distanced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first event in the speaker series, “Business and Careers in Esports,” will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26, online via Zoom. Featured speakers will include the following esports industry professionals:


  • Manny Lorras — senior director, team marketing and business operations, National Basketball Association

  • John Spiher — vice president of partnerships, Dignitas


RSVP to receive a link to the event. Attendees may also use the form to submit questions prior to the event.

Save the remaining dates in the series:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 23 — Alaska Esports Scene

  • Tuesday, March 23 — Tackling Stigmas, Stereotypes and Myths

  • Tuesday, April 13 — Coaching Esports


For more information, contact Travis Misner at tdmisner@alaska.edu.