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Don't miss this incredible opportunity to network, learn, and celebrate the esports industry and the coaches, directors, league operators, and companies that make it happen.

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NATIONAL CONVENTION OVERVIEW

Huntington Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota

This year, the Convention heads to Minneapolis, Minnesota! Thanks to our hosts, The University of Minnesota, we will be hosting the 7th Annual NAECAD National Convention at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Huntington Bank Stadium is the home for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and boasts an incredible facility to house the Convention. 

Venue Location: 420 23rd Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Socials Location: Rooftop Bar, Home2 Suites
2808 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

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June 19th: Pre-Convention

Main Features:

NETWORKING: Open social area with food and drinks to network and meet up with friends and peers you usually only see online.

PRIVATE MEETING ROOMS: We will have private meeting rooms available for groups to get together. These are intended to help with yearly planning and facilitating discussions in person. 

INTRODUCTORY PD TRACK - We have moved all entry-level material to a 3 hour pre-convention workshop to allow for deeper discussion and learning during the Convention. This track will allow newer professionals to get up to speed on the basics before the convention kicks off.

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June 20th: Day 1 of the Convention

Main Features:

VENDOR EXPO: Meet with all of the organizations, leagues, and companies that support esports through competition, hardware, software, and more.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: For day 1, we will be organizing multiple sessions, panels, and talks from industry representative at the highest level. These session will be aimed at tackling your hard-hitting questions and issues that arose in 23-24.

DAY 1 CLINIC: Building value in yourself, your program, and your school. (separate clinic for HS & College)

AWARDS BANQUET: This year we are introducing a wide range of new awards aimed at elevating the hard work our members do day-to-day as well as our annual Coach of the Year and Director of the Year awards. We will also be adding a brand new award that will be announced closer to the event.

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June 21st: Day 2 of the Convention

TWO TRACKS TO CHOOSE FROM: COACHING OR ADMINISTRATIVE

COACHING TRACK: We will be bringing in a top level coach from Rocket League, Overwatch 2, League of Legends, and Valorant to lead game-specific clinics throughout the day.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE TRACK: We will be organizing small group discussion around ways to improve, grow, and organize your program to build more value for stakeholders and students.  
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HOTEL BLOCK & TRAVEL PLANS

Hampton Inn & Suites NAECAD June 2024 Booking Link: CLOSED

*The socials are held on the rooftop bar associated with this hotel, however, you do NOT need to stay here to attend. Please make whatever plans necessary to fit your budget. 

If booking at the Hampton Inn & Suites / Home 2 Suites Minneapolis University Area,  the convention is within walking distance (.5 miles)

Other hotels within walking distance include: Days Hotel by Wyndham, Graduate Minneapolis, and Hilton Garden.

All other locations will be recommended to use ride sharing apps/carpools.

The convention is roughly 10-15 miles away from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, depending on route at an est. 20 mins. depending on traffic. 

We recommend using a ride sharing app to get to your hotel and walking from there.

  • Parking
    •  Maroon Lot OR Victory Lot – All day $1/hour with a daily maximum of $6/vehicle 
    • Socials are within walking distance from lots, however, Victory Lot would be closer. 

Most Economical Plans To Attend The Whole Event:

  • Arrive Wednesday, June 19th between 11am-3pm
  • Depart Friday, June 21st between 6-10pm.

ALT. Plan if you are over budget:

  • Arrive Thursday, June 20th between 8am-11am
  • Depart Friday, June 21st between 6-10pm.
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will miss the opening social ,entry-level clinic, and some morning sessions depending on arrival, but you may still attend the Day 1 and Day 2 Clinics, Awards Banquet, and Day 1 social.