GamesBeat Summit 2017: Challenging Norms with Diverse Leadership in Gaming
A Panel on Redefining Leadership for Inclusion and Innovation
The upcoming GamesBeat Summit 2017, themed “How Games, Sci-Fi, and Tech Create Real-World Magic,” will feature a groundbreaking panel titled “Bucking the Status Quo: Redesigning Leadership for Diverse Talent, Perspectives, and Products.” Scheduled for May 1-2 at the historic Claremont Resort Hotel in Berkeley, California, this event promises to spark critical conversations about diversity, creativity, and the future of the gaming industry.
Meet the Panelists: Visionaries Driving Change
Asi Burak – CEO of Power Play & Chairman of Games for Change
- Leads the largest gaming event in NYC, the Games for Change Festival.
- Strategic advisor to EON Productions (James Bond films), Tribeca Enterprises, and McCann Erickson.
- Co-founder of Impact Games, creators of PeaceMaker and Play the News.
Megan Gaiser – CEO of Spiral Media & Principal at Contagious Creativity
- Pioneer in creating games for underrepresented audiences, including the Nancy Drew franchise.
- Expert in VR/AR, storytelling, and cross-industry innovation.
Guy Bendov – CEO of Side-kick Games & Chairman of GameIS
- Developer behind cutting-edge games for Square Enix, Disney, and Google Labs.
- Advocate for mobile VR gaming and industry collaboration.
Asra Rasheed – Executive Producer at The Walt Disney Company
- 15+ years in digital media, gaming, and children’s entertainment.
- Specializes in interactive design, brand management, and strategic partnerships.
Rami Ismail – Cofounder of Vlambeer
- Creator of indie hits like Ridiculous Fishing and Nuclear Throne.
- Global advocate for diversity, fair labor practices, and Muslim representation in games.
Why This Panel Matters
In an era marked by political polarization and fear of “the other,” the gaming and tech industries face urgent challenges:
- Diversity gaps in leadership and creative roles.
- Barriers to international collaboration due to shifting policies.
- The need for inclusive products that resonate with global audiences.
This panel will explore actionable strategies to:
- Foster inclusive workplaces and diverse hiring practices.
- Leverage cross-cultural perspectives for innovative game design.
- Build leadership models that prioritize equity and creativity.
Event Highlights
Breakout Sessions:
- Sci-Fi, Games & Tech Intersection: How fiction inspires real-world innovation.
- Monetization & User Retention: Strategies for sustainable growth.
- Esports & Community Engagement: Building loyal fanbases.
- Emerging Markets: Untapped opportunities in gaming.
- VR/AR & Future Platforms: Where to invest next.
Advisory Board Includes:
- Sam Barlow (Her Story developer).
- Tim Sweeney (CEO of Epic Games).
- Gary Whitta (Rogue One screenwriter).
- Margaret Wallace (CEO of Playmatics).
The Bigger Picture: Inspiration Meets Reality
From Snow Crash’s virtual worlds to Minority Report’s gesture controls, sci-fi has long predicted tech trends. At GamesBeat Summit 2017, industry leaders will dissect how:
- Creative cross-pollination between games, tech, and entertainment drives progress.
- Diverse teams unlock groundbreaking ideas.
- The next wave of innovation will blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Join us to network, learn, and redefine the future of gaming. For sponsorship inquiries, contact [email protected].
Featured image credits: Power Play, Michael O’Donnell/VentureBeat, Sidekick VR
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