Microsoft looking for new presenters for its Women in Gaming Luncheon this year

Kareem Anderson

Microsoft is looking to add some “presenters passionate about gaming” to its 16th annual Women in Gaming Luncheon. The Women in Gaming Luncheon this year will be held during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, and will be home to more than 200 women looking to network in the gaming community.

Last year we wrote about the Luncheon, which Microsoft hosts as a means to celebrate women who are or have been a part of the gaming industry, and more specifically, those who have helped foster change and influence overall.

In preparation for the feminine-inspired celebration (which also includes the presence of men), Microsoft is putting the word out and accepting presenter submissions for the March 15th, 2016 Luncheon. For a bit of a rundown, presenters should expect to be in front of approximately 200 people consisting of press, college students and other industry professionals. Common among the previous year’s presentations, presenters should be prepared to adhere to a theme, and this year’s includes, “Share your Journey.” Microsoft is explicitly calling upon women to “share their experiences” entering, excelling or even perhaps exiting the gaming community.

Other Microsoft prerequisite and details include:

Optional questions to consider for your presentation:

  1. What was it like for you to pursue gaming as a career?
  2. Tell us about how you got your first job in the industry?
  3. What questions would you want to ask a veteran in this industry and why?
  4. What advice would you give to another woman who wants to pursue a career in gaming?
  5. Tell us about one of your greatest challenges or accomplishments?
  6. Did you have a mentor or role model that inspired you?

Submission Guidelines

  • Email the following to [email protected] by January 25, 2016, 11:59 pm PST:
  • A brief bio (no more than 100 words)
  • A .mp4 or link to a video describing your journey in Gaming (Max 5 mins)
  • Your presentation (No more than 8 minutes)

Potential applicants should have their submissions in by January 25, 2016, and no later than 11:59 pm PST. From there Microsoft will leave its Women in Gaming Leads to review applications and notify applicants of their submission status by February 2, 2015.

Microsoft further clarifies that it is looking for speakers who other women can relate or connect to with their well thought out and concise message. As a side note, Microsoft is encouraging presenters who also happen to engage conversation online and help drive attendance, will possible repeat appearances at subsequent Luncheons or publishings on various Microsoft blogs or social media.