Sumo Group is thrilled to once again be sponsoring the Women in Games Careers Expo on the 7th of March 2024, and hosting its booth with a line-up of incredible speakers and panellists participating in the event from across its studios.
This bi-annual virtual expo hosted by Women in Games is an opportunity to bring together women and folks from marginalised genders in the global games industry to share inspirational stories, expertise and practical advice on working in games, as well as opportunities to learn and network.
This year, Sumo Group will be hosting its booth for the whole day, with an agenda full of insightful discipline-specific talks and panels about experiences of working in the games industry. You can find the full lineup, and speakers, below.
9.30am – 10.15am GMT: Innovation and Impact: Making Change Count.
On the main stage of the event, catch Sumo Group’s Learning and Development Partner Consultant, Jenny Muhlwa, and Sumo Nottingham’s Studio Engagement Manager Karen Standard discussing why changes for the games industry are important and necessary, how the landscape is changing and what more there is to be done. They'll be joined by Ana Ramos, Software Engineer at Unity, and Katya Dolgova, COO and Co-Founder, Redhill Games.
10.30am – 11.15am GMT: We Are Women in Games.
Kicking off the day for Sumo Group will be amazing women from across Sumo’s studios sharing their experiences being women working in the games industry, the roles they do and what their day-to-day looks like. Join Christina Ermongkonchai (Producer at Lab42) as she chairs this panel discussion with Aoibhinn McAuley (Producer at Sumo Leamington), Advika Shali (Production Assistant Intern at Sumo Sheffield), Julia Vereenoghe (Lead UI Artist at Sumo Nottingham and Brogan Fraser-McCluskey (Senior Talent Acquisition Partner for Sumo Group) as they share their stories.
11.30am – 12.15pm GMT: Getting Into Games.
Are you working in a different industry and looking to transfer to a career in games? This session is for you! Sara Machado (Senior Talent Ops Specialist at Sumo Group) will lead a discussion on how working in other industries can prepare you for a role in the games industry. Join Julia Drake (Assistant Producer at Sumo Leamington), Alix Taylor-Searle (Producer at Auroch Digital), Tessa Key (Internal Communications Manager at Sumo Group) and Emma Rogers (Programmer at Sumo Sheffield) as they share their stories.
12:30pm – 1pm GMT: A Little to the Left stream, presented by Secret Mode.
In this session, we take a break from words and bring you your daily dose of calm with tidying puzzle game, A Little to the Left, streamed by Alex Schall from Secret Mode. Grab a snack or coffee, and join in for some wholesome gaming fun.
1pm – 1.45pm GMT: The Importance of the ULTRAVIOLET Space.
Since PRISM – Sumo Group’s Inclusion & Belonging Community – launched in 2021, it has created a safe and welcoming space for everyone to share resources, ask questions and find community. In this panel discussion, ULTRAVIOLET (Women & Marginalised Genders) Diversity Champion Jess Rutland (Business Development Associate at Auroch Digital) will lead a discussion about why the space is so important and how it enables people to connect. They’ll be joined by Jess Gaskell (Director of PMO at Sumo Group, and Executive Sponsor for the ULTRAVIOLET Stream), Danielle Viljoen (VFX Artist at Sumo Sheffield) and Dave Evans (Lead QA Manager at Auroch Digital).
2pm – 2:45 GMT: What is Technical Art?
Let’s get technical! In the first of two tech-focussed talks, Nina Klos (Technical Artist at Sumo Leamington) will be giving an introduction to Technical Art as a discipline, what the role of a Tech Artist looks like and some examples of her work. Expect practical advice, some incredible artwork and an appearance from a fish or two!
3pm – 3.45pm GMT: An Introduction to Technical Design.
The second instalment of the Af-tech-noon, and we’ll be joined by Michelle Chapman (Technical Design Director at Sumo Sheffield). In this session, Michelle will be bringing her expertise in all things Technical Design, sharing insights into the role of a Technical Designer and practical advice on how you can kick-start your tech career.
4pm – 4.45pm GMT (8am – 8.45am PST): Creating a Culture for Women in Games.
For the final session of the day, we’re headed over the pond to the folks at Timbre Games in Canada, who will be sharing what it’s like to work in an environment in games that is almost 50% gender diverse, how we can all do better and what the studio is working on to ensure we’re creating a culture where gender diverse teams can thrive. Host Micaela Dawn (Associate Art Director at Timbre Games) will be joined by Nadia Lohan (Producer at Timbre Games), Jaclyn Adair (Lead Talent Acquisition Partner at Timbre Games) and Candace DeBacker (Principal Animator at Timbre Games).
You can check out all of these sessions and more at the Women in Games Careers Expo on Thursday the 7th of March 2024. The event is hosted virtually by RingCentral Tickets, and free tickets are available from the Women in Games website.