This wasn’t just a conference... it was a Player-Powered Experience.
GamiCon NOLA was designed for professionals who create adult learning experiences—whether you’re an instructional designer, training manager, facilitator, eLearning developer, teacher, or project lead.
This year, attendees earned 11 ATD Recertification Credits, a Credly digital badge, and a Training Magazine Certificate of Completion. If you were ready to level up your skills, gain real-world insights, and connect with peers who’ve transformed their training through gamification, GamiCon NOLA delivered.
We’re updating the GamiCon NOLA site now with photos and video highlights from the event. Explore the recap gallery and relive the moments.
CHECK OUT OUR GALLERY OF EVENT PICS BELOW
If you missed this one, don’t miss GamiCon48V—a 48-hour live virtual gamified event happening in Q1 2026. No excuses. No regrets.
Speakers and Event Team
What made this year’s event unique? Every speaker and event team members once stood exactly where you are. And each one has learned and applied the Sententia codified process for gamification and game-based learning. They now lead award-winning programs recognized by top industry associations.
Monica Cornetti
GamiCon Game Master
Syncopation: Designing for Surprise and Delight
South Padre Island, TX, USA
Jonathan Peters, PhD
GamiCon Dungeon Master
South Padre Island, TX, USA
Christian Gossan
Fund the Fun: Making the Business Case for Gamification
Australia
Jazmin Webster
Anchoring Onboarding to Business Objectives
St. Louis, MO, USA
Artrell Williams
Know Thy Learner: Building Dynamic Player Profiles
Buffalo, NY, USA
Sherry Prindle
Groove: Creating Immersive Experiences That Resonate
Kansas City, MO, USA
Bernaro Letayf
Harmony: Building Cohesive Game Mechanics and Content
Hialeah, FL, USA
Destery Hildenbrand
BYOD—In the Key of AR: Layering Augmented Reality Over Learning Experiences
USA
Shawna Stushnoff
BYOD—Design in Harmony: Creating Interactive Learning with Genially
USA
Jeffrey Riley
BYOD—Behind the Beat: AI & JavaScript in Harmony
Birmingham, AL, USA
Josh 'Doc' Yavelberg
BYOD—Rhythm & Relevance: AI Tools to Compose Personalized Learning Journeys
Washington, DC, USA
Leah Carrubba
Yes, Chef! How Hulu’s The Bear Changed the Way We Design Training Events
Austin, TX, USA
Carriann Lane
Create Your GamiCon NOLA Band—Low Tech Game Experience
USA
Chuck Sigmund
Chief of Staff
Temecula, CA, USA
Frank Parker
Event Team
Charlotte, NC, USA
David Kolmer
Event Team
St. Louis, MO, USA
Steven Shook
Event Team
New Orleans, LA, USA
Rebecca Arnett
Event Team
Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Renee Boisvert
Remote Event Team
Delta, British Columbia, Canada
Steve Abrams
Remote Event Team
Los Angeles, CA, USA
🎺 Sunday After Hours with Ashlin Parker and the Trumpet Mafia 🎺
Keynote + Live Performance | NOLA Brewing and Pizza Co.
We closed out Sunday at GamiCon NOLA 2025 with a celebration of rhythm, learning, and communityNew Orleans style with internationally acclaimed trumpeter Ashlin Parker and members of his groundbreaking ensemble, Trumpet Mafia, for an unforgettable After Hours event at NOLA Brewing and Pizza Co.
Ashlin is more than a performer. He is a mentor, educator, and community builder. He’s played with legends like Ellis Marsalis and toured the globe, but his most powerful work may be what he built in New Orleans: spaces where people grow, fail, collaborate, and create something new together.
Using the sound principles of gamification, clear feedback loops, leveling up through challenge, and collective growth, Ashlin founded Trumpet Mafia as a multi-tiered experience where pros, rising talent, and students all learn and perform side-by-side.
That mindset, fail forward, learn together, is exactly what GamiCon is all about.
Members of Trumpet Mafia brought the heat with a live set that blends New Orleans jazz with unexpected harmonies and infectious fun.
What it's like to be part of the Mafia? Everyone has a voice, everyone has a place, and everyone has a few fails to get through before they find their groove.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed sponsors for their generous support of GamiCon. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and belief in our mission to explore and expand the boundaries of gamified and game-based learning and engagement. Thank you for joining us on this journey and for your invaluable role in shaping the future of gamification.
Learn More About GamiCon
