Edinburgh’s iconic Murrayfield Stadium is set to host PHASE 25, a major new conference focused on the dynamic intersection of esports, education, and industry, taking place on Saturday, 26th September 2026 – with a 25% discount on offer to SGN readers.
Organised by our friends at eRena, the full-day conference will bring together leading voices from across academia, scholastic esports, and community development to explore how competitive gaming can be leveraged as a powerful tool for teaching essential skills and creating new career pathways.
This event is a powerful, practical example of the ‘More Than Games’ philosophy in action. It moves the conversation beyond the screen to demonstrate the real-world impact of the games ecosystem on skills development, particularly in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). For educators, parents, and industry professionals, it’s a vital opportunity to see how the engagement of esports can be harnessed to foster problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and technological proficiency.
The conference boasts a packed schedule featuring international experts, including:
- Bubba Gaeddert, Executive Director of the US-based Varsity Esports Foundation, who will deliver a keynote on empowering futures through esports education.
- Shoubna Naika-Taylor, an educator and advisor for the British Esports Federation, who will discuss the impact of esports on student engagement.
- Gavin Ferry of the Newcastle United Foundation, who will share insights on using esports for community engagement and promoting STEM.
- Cllr Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, who will provide a Scottish Government perspective on incorporating esports in education.
The day will culminate in a cross-sector panel discussion, “Esports Unleashed,” exploring the convergence of insights from education, the military, and traditional sports, promising a holistic view of the future of esports in society.
We would encourage anyone interested in the future of education, skills development, and the transformative potential of our sector to attend. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from global experts and connect with the pioneers building the future of scholastic esports in Scotland.
The team at eRena has kindly offered the SGN community a 25% discount on tickets.
To view the full programme and book your discounted tickets, visit the official PHASE 25 website.