ESTA Launches First Canadian Chapter in Canada

February 8, 2023
News Release

TORONTO, ON., February 08, 2023 – Esports Trade Association (ESTA) is working in collaboration with Encore Canada, a national leader in event experiences, to launch the first Canadian ESTA Chapter based out of Toronto. With the goal to drive awareness, attention, and growth within this emerging industry, ESTA Toronto will partner with local industry leaders and corporations to create a community for esports and gaming advocates across the country. The chapter will be based in Toronto.

“ESTA Toronto Chapter’s mission will be to partner with local gaming communities, organizers, destinations, and venues to provide engaging education and networking opportunities that will promote, protect, and advance the broader interests of the esports community,” said David Campbell, Board President for ESTA Toronto and Managing Director for Encore Canada. “As a chapter, we will also facilitate access for sponsors to a valued demographic of gamers, providing mutual benefits and increased business opportunities across the country. In addition, we are committed to driving diversity and inclusion within the gaming industry by partnering with ESG-minded organizations.”

ESTA Toronto will be hosting a series of in-person educational and networking events for their members, prospects, and partners at various locations across Canada. They’ll also be hosting online educational sessions as well.

“We are thrilled to see organizations like Encore Canada step up to help us grow the industry,” said Freddie Halstead, ESTA HQ Chapter President. “The more we connect with organizations traditionally working outside of the esports community, the more opportunity we have to grow.”

Megan Van Petten adds, “ESTA HQ has been around for 6 years and we’re only just starting to grow outside of the United States. Partnering with an organization like Encore Canada to do this will help us broaden our reach and the ESTA community as a whole will gain recognition world-wide.”

The ESTA Toronto Chapter will be focused on growing its membership and driving sponsorship revenue for the local esports industry. To get involved or for more information, visit https://esportsta.org/esta-toronto-chapter.

About the Esports Trade Association

The Esports Trade Association (ESTA) promotes, protects, and advances the broader interests of the esports community. The organization accomplishes this by providing forward-thinking professional development programs, networking opportunities, relevant industry research, and valuable tools and resources to the membership. ESTA focuses on promoting business expertise and sustainable growth of the esports industry by growing the number of participants, sponsors, products, and services, procuring industry research, and executing industry events. Learn more about the ESTA and its mission statement at https://esportsta.org.

About Encore

Encore creates memorable experiences that engage and transform organizations. As the global leader for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events, the Encore team of innovators and experts delivers real results through event strategy, design, technology, production, and digital solutions. Encore operates in more than 20 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia Pacific. It is the trusted partner of choice for more than 2,100 premiere hotels and venues worldwide. The company is headquartered in Schiller Park, Ill., within the Chicago metro area.