The gaming industry contributes over $260 billion to the U.S. economy, according to statistics provided by the University of Texas at Dallas. Globally, the esports audience will reach 380 million this year. And, by 2021, esports is projected to have more viewers than every professional league (besides the NFL).

The digital gaming ecosystem is clearly flourishing nationwide—and UTD intends to build on that.

In a partnership with Dallas Startup Week, the UT Dallas Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has announced its plans for the second annual Emerging Technologies Summit. As part of DSW, on April 2, EmTech 2019 will bring together the various sectors of the gaming industry for an afternoon of networking, education, and inspiration.

And, since the innovation program will be anchored by esports, this year’s title is fittingly Esports and the New Gaming Economy.

“The mission of EmTech 2019 is to elevate the next generation of esports and gaming products and services in a culturally iconic industry,” Steve Guengerich, executive director of the UT Dallas Institute, said in a statement. “We expect the extraordinary line-up of speakers to address the current and future economic impact of this emerging industry for Dallas and the broader economy, in the process inspiring UT Dallas students and regional professionals to participate, through new, entrepreneurial career paths.”

From startups and early adopters to mid-size enterprises and corporations, EmTech 2019 is expected to bring together a diverse group of industry pioneers.

At the inaugural Summit last year, over 700 DSW guest from around North Texas gathered to learn about fintech, AI, and the global blockchain phenomenon. New York Times best-selling author Don Tapscott gave the keynote speech, and Goldman Sachs, Hypergiant, IBM, and RogerWilco all participated as sponsors.

This year, UTD has numerous university co-producers: the Arts, Technology & Emerging Communications school, UTD Athletics, the Jonsson School of Engineering & Computer Science, and the Jindal School of Management. Featured speakers include Mark ‘Garvey’ Candella, global lead of strategic partnerships for Twitch; Matt Hooper, development director of software development for Oculus VR; and Leemon Baird, founder and CTO of Hedera Hashgraph.

UTD said attendees can look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the success factors for the new era of gaming; the critical roles of blockchain, AI, and mixed reality in payments and game experience; and where venture and corporate investors think the game economy is headed.

It’s the topper to a record-breaking week of programming in DSW’s Gaming and Esports track.

“With this fifth anniversary of Dallas Startup Week, we’re thrilled to feature the EmTech Summit, coincidentally, as the fifth major special event this year,” said Alyce Alston, CEO of The DEC Network and DSW organizer, in a statement.

EmTech 2019 will be presented at the Mavs Gaming Center on Tuesday, April 2. In the evening, an esports showcase and gaming technology expo will be held at Capital Factory-Dallas. A complete agenda can be found online. For all tracks and special events at Dallas Startup Week, registration is open and free to the public.