In this Emerging Technology Consortium event we will demystify esports by bringing a panel of experts together to look at the business model perspective of esports, media, gender and racial dimensions of esports, esports' links to health and wellness, an overview of the esports industry in Alberta, and in education leaving attendees with an understanding of where you can learn more about esports. This session will be interactive with lots of time for audience questions and participant discussion.

The expert panel consists of Dr David Finch, Professor in the Bissett School of Business at MRU and Senior Fellow in the Institute for Community Prosperity, Dr Brad Clark Associate Professor in Broadcast Media Studies, Journalism at MRU, Dr David Legg, Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education, all co-authors of the book Implications and Impacts of eSports on Business and Society (2019). The authors will be joined by Ryan Coutts, Head of Business Development for the Alberta Esports Association and Dr Brad Mahon, Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at MRU that has recently launched an Esports Management Extension Certificate.

The Emerging Technology Consortium (ETC) is a group of like-minded people who are passionate about sharing information and fostering collaboration in the space of emerging technologies. These technologies include virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, wearables, and more.

Hosted by the Mount Royal University (MRU) Library, the group helps to facilitate exploration and understanding of the adoption of new technologies at MRU and beyond. Participants come from multi-disciplinary backgrounds ranging from the arts to science and include students, researchers, administrators and members from MRU affiliate organizations and broader community.

The group meets monthly on Wednesdays, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm where speakers will highlight emerging technology in teaching, research, and co-curricular activities being done at MRU. We will also invite external community members teaching, researching and working in emerging technologies including industry partners to showcase new technologies and their usage.