MetArena, the newly rebranded esports startup, is co-hosting the first ever esports summit with a focus on historically Black colleges and universities.
The St. Petersburg-based startup has teamed up with Johnson C. Smith University to bring the first ever esports conference with both a focus on competition and offering career opportunities for would-be gamers. It will have a specific focus on historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs.
"There's been an issue with inclusion in the gaming industry for decades," Howard said. "And here in the last year, with everything going on with more calls for social inclusion, it's the perfect time to address the issue of creating more economic growth opportunities for communities of color. And likewise, while everything has been shutting down, the gaming industry grew. This is making sure everyone has a seat at the table to enjoy that growth."
The 2021 ASCEND HBCU Esports Conference and Expo will be held the weekend of the Super Bowl on Feb. 5, 2021.
"In the summer of 2019 I saw the esports event we would have in Miami [where the previous Super Bowl was hosted], and I saw that the Super Bowl would be here in 2021, so the last 18 months I've planned an esports event that would be equal parts entertainment and opportunity," Howard said. "Then, Covid hit. Then the George Floyd movement hit, and I was inspired to shift the concept to a larger need."
Attendance is free, and while there is an emphasis on HBCU students, anyone is allowed to attend.
"We encourage anyone who has the tiniest interest in esports to come learn," Howard said. "We're not just having esports tournaments for the sake of entertainment. We're looking to create long-term value for education and development."
The event will kick off with a Madden game tournament, followed by a virtual career expo where both mock and real interviews will be conducted for esports opportunities and full-time jobs.
"This timely virtual conference will shine a light on possible career opportunities in esports and the gaming industry," Chad Mairn, who oversees the innovation lab at St. Petersburg College, said in a statement. "Attendees will learn about the growing list of available jobs, how blockchain technologies are used, and discover strategies to help open doors into these exciting industries."
