Tech to the Future 2023

Join us May 6th (11AM-6PM) at Kaplan Institute (3137 South Federal Street Chicago, IL 60616) to explore the intersection of esports, game design and tech education. We are very grateful for our sponsors LG, SHI, and UGC. You won't want to miss Josh Tsui, Director of Insert Coin, World Premiere at SXSW 2020 and a key team member behind the creation of the Mortal Kombat game is our keynote speaker. Executive Producer, Director, Creative Director. Leading innovations in Entertainment and Education he is the co-founder of two video game studios, Studio Gigante and Robomodo, and he has collaborated with clients such as Activision, Microsoft and Zynga on international IPs such as Tony Hawk, Mortal Kombat and WWE. Additionally, he has been in a few video games...look closely at Lu Kang and Sub Zero!

You also won't want to miss best selling author Donald Hyun Kiolbassa J.D., C.P.A. he will speak about his books "The Tao of the side hustle." In addition to being the managing partner at his law firm he is an avid Martial Artist. He was a gold medalist for the 2008 USA Wushu Team (This was not an Olympic Sport), and he is the CGI Motion Capture Martial Artist behind the Mortal Kombat franchise 9, 10, & 11. He also wrote the book Discover Your Dragon5 Steps to The Victorious Life. How a teen-age boy overcame bullying with kung-fu, and learned practical self-help lessons at The Shaolin Temple.

We have the amazing Won Kim joining us! He is a "triple threat" he's an entrepreneur and a working chef at his restaurant Kimski. He is a renowned graffiti artist, and an incredible high tech DJ who goes by DJ - Genghiswon. He recently finish a show touring the country talking about esports and food. You will not want to miss what he has to share. Bonus! He is going to show his gear and DJ from 4 - 6 during our Smash Tournament. You will not want to miss this!

Our Panel "Exploring the intersection of esports, game design and tech education" is sure to be informative and insightful. Hosted by game legend Michael Williams It features Jennifer deWinter-Illinois Tech, Todd McFarlin-U of Illinois, Courtney James-DePaul, and Ashlyn Sparrow-U of Chicago all have years of experience.

From industry we are excited to welcome solutions architect Pat Blair and the AWS Deep Racer team and Community Engagement Director Steven Shaw from Verizon and Solo from Ka-Pow School

There will be many activities for families with and opportunities to:

- Participate in a Smash Tournament, - Vote on CPS Minecraft Builds, - Visit Artist Alley - Visit the Company Showcase, - Play the active AR game HADO, - Drone Golf with the Codrone by robolink.com, - Cyber Security Capture the Flag by Revolution Cyber and Secure Code Warrior - Play chess and other games, - Participate in a Beat Saber Challenge- Enjoy Gundam Builds, - Participate in Makerspace activities (3D printed game pieces, laser cut keychains), - Participate in a Scavenger Hunt by IIT's AEnigma, - Learn more about the Bronzeville Esports League and more....

Free T-shirts while supplies last!

Answer "What does esports/gaming mean in your life?" and you will have a chance to win a PS5 the Hogwarts Limited Edition console! Brought to you by the Warrior Gmr foundation.

A great Asian fusion lunch from 1 - 5 PM ( for the first 75 people if you take the Revolution Cyber/Secure Code Warrior challenge you will be rewarded with a free lunch ticket)