2024 Gaming Brunch: Power Up and Game on Presented by Activision Blizzard

Posted By Jasmin Mendoza, Friday, April 19, 2024

The ThinkLA Gaming Brunch aimed to explore the dynamic world of gaming and its impact on marketing. With a focus on community engagement, AI in gaming, and gaming's role in entertainment marketing, the event provided a comprehensive overview of the current trends and opportunities in the gaming industry. With keynote speaker Mat Piscatella, Executive Director of Circana, setting the stage, attendees were primed for a day of exploration into the dynamic world of gaming and its implications for marketers.

Panel 1: Community Engagement:
The event kicked off with an invigorating discussion on community engagement in gaming. Moderated by Nina Kammer, the panel featured leading voices from innovative brands, esports leagues, and influencer marketing experts. Zachary Diaz, Ryan Johnson and Shelley Taniguchi, illuminated the audience with strategies for authentically connecting with the gaming community, emphasizing the importance of genuine interaction over traditional marketing tactics.

Panel 2: AI in Gaming:
Next, attendees delved into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its profound impact on gaming. Led by moderator Peter Csathy, the panel explored how AI is revolutionizing player experiences in the digital era. Morgan Pomish, Straith Schreder, and Rachel Joy Victor, elucidated on the transformative role of AI in game development, from dynamic content generation to personalized gameplay mechanics, paving the way for a new frontier in interactive entertainment.

Panel 3: Gaming's Role in Entertainment Marketing:
The event culminated in a captivating exploration of gaming's role in entertainment marketing. Moderator Misha Mukherhjee guided the audience through an immersive journey into the intersection of technology, storytelling, and creativity in gaming. With insights from industry luminaries Alyson Grove and Allan Gungormez, attendees gained a deeper understanding of how gaming has evolved beyond mere recreation, becoming a powerful medium for social connection, artistic expression, and global influence.

Conclusion:
The ThinkLA Gaming Brunch: Power Up and Game On proved to be a compelling convergence of gaming and marketing, offering attendees a wealth of insights and inspiration. From community engagement strategies to the transformative potential of AI, and the profound impact of gaming on contemporary culture, the event showcased the boundless opportunities at the intersection of gaming and marketing. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, marketers are urged to stay informed and embrace the innovative possibilities that gaming presents in shaping the future of entertainment.

Highlight Reel


 

Thank You to Our Sponsors
 


Meet Our Committee Members:
ThinkLA events are organized with the help of industry professionals. Many thanks to this committee:

Co-Chair: Halie Burgess, Account Executive, Microsoft Advertising
Co-Chair: Brad Souva, Account Director, Zynga

  • Alexis Boerger, Managing Director, The Story Mob
     
  • Kim Hatfield, SVP, Sales and Integrated Marketing, IGN Entertainment
     
  • Allison Mellon, Head of Gaming and Entertainment, Enthusiast Gaming
  • Zach Rosenberg, Founder, Zach Rosenberg Consultation
  • Gregg Rubin, Director, Business Strategy & Development,  Goodway Group 
  • Niki Schloss, Senior Director, Brand Solutions, Enthusiast Gaming
  • Paul Snell, Sales Director, Super League Enterprise