Showing Up Matters: Real Conversations at Web Summit Vancouver

From Opening Night to workshops, debates, and our panel on the Future of Esports, being on the ground in Vancouver offered more than just ideas — it was a reminder of the power of people, presence, and purposeful connection

By Paul J. Foster, CEO, Global Esports Federation

Web Summit Vancouver: The energy is back — bold ideas, real people, and the power of showing up.

There’s something unmistakably energizing about being in the room — live, in person — with the people shaping the future.

Web Summit Vancouver brought together a rare blend of energy, ideas, and authentic connection — all in one of my favourite Olympic cities. It was a chance to listen, contribute, and reconnect with a community that’s evolving rapidly and thinking even faster.

From the moment the lights came up on Opening Night, you could feel it: the energy is back. I was honoured to join the likes of Jay Graber (CEO, Bluesky), Prof. Gary Marcus (AI commentator and contrarian), Mayor Ken Sim, and Paddy Cosgrave, the visionary behind Web Summit. The tone was bold but grounded, like Canada — a celebration of ideas and action.

What stood out most wasn’t the tech or the topics — it was the people. Real conversations, openness, and a refreshing simplicity defined the atmosphere. There were fewer suits, fewer formalities — replaced by a new generation of Gen Z founders, entrepreneurs, and creators bringing authentic energy and momentum, grounded in purpose and hustle.

Real conversations, openness, and a refreshing simplicity — the future is shaped by those who show up. Paul J. Foster (R), with Charmaine Crooks at Web Summit Opening Night.

On Day Two, I had the honor of joining the panel “Level-Up: The Future of Esports Beyond the Console”, hosted by my longtime friend and colleague, Charmaine Crooks CM — a five-time Olympian, tech advisor, and someone who helped shape the Global Esports Federation from day one.

The panel brought together a dynamic mix of perspectives shaping the future of gaming and sport. Tosaint Ricketts, a former national footballer and now MLS esports athlete with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, shared how traditional sports and digital play are converging. Spiro Khouri, President of MyLo Marketing, offered insight into connecting fans through live gaming experiences across Canada. And Jay Balmer, Chief Product Officer at Reality Crisis, highlighted how immersive storytelling is transforming the way we experience games.

Together, we explored where esports is headed — not just beyond the console, but into new communities, business models, and opportunities. We spoke about access, authenticity, and purpose — themes that reflect both the future of esports and the GEF’s #worldconnected mission: to connect ecosystems, open up opportunities, and ensure that esports is truly for all.

There was also a noticeable shift in how the event was run: less fluff, more focus. Less waste, more intention. Social was king — not just in content, but in spirit. People came to learn, connect, and contribute. The vibe was open, informal, and real.

Leadership by presence — approachable, engaged, and walking the floor. The kind of innovation we need more of. Paul J. Foster with Ken Sim, Mayor, City of Vancouver (L).

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim exemplified that openness — approachable, present, walking the halls and floors, joining conversations, talking to creators, investors, visitors, and students. His leadership by presence was a standout — setting a tone for the kind of inclusive, human-first innovation we need more of.

Web Summit Vancouver exceeded our high expectations. For the Global Esports Federation, being part of gatherings like this keeps us rooted in the present while building toward what’s next.

We show up to listen, to learn, and to connect — with people and ideas that continue to shape the future of esports and beyond.

Here’s to more of that.