ROAD TO XDS: The 2025 Summit Orientation
Your Questions Answered…
ROAD TO XDS RECAP
I missed the Webinar. Can I watch the recording somehow?
Absolutely!
XDS CONNECT
When does XDS Connect launch?
XDS Connect will launch at the following dates:
- August 7th: Developers
- August 12th: Service Providers & Everyone else
Watch out for the invitation email in your inbox at around 10 AM PST.
Has the issue with calendar sync in XDS Connect been resolved since last year?
Yes! As of this year, you can subscribe to your XDS Connect calendar, which means you can now sync it with your preferred personal or work calendar (e.g., Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar). This allows you to stay on top of your meetings and sessions in real time, directly from your own calendar app.
How many interest requests can a Service Provider typically expect to have accepted through XDS Connect?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on the type of services you offer and how in-demand those services are in any given year.
If this is your first year attending, we encourage you to view it as a learning opportunity: use this time to gauge interest, observe trends, and identify how you might refine your approach for future editions of XDS. Over time, many studios find ways to optimize their presence and increase engagement year over year.
Is my XDS Connect profile the same as my XDS Spark profile?
No, they are two separate platforms with different purposes and login systems.
You’ll receive your XDS Connect invitation on August 7 or 12. Just click the link in that email to access the platform directly. You can also go to www.xds-connect.com to log in once your invite has arrived.
Be sure to set up your XDS Connect profile in time—it’s essential for scheduling meetings and managing your on-site experience at XDS.
If I attended XDS last year, will my XDS Connect profile carry over, or do I need to create a new one this year?
Profiles from previous years do not carry over. Everyone—returning or new attendees—will need to create a new profile once XDS Connect opens on August 12.
This ensures all profiles reflect the most up-to-date information for accurate and relevant networking.
Is there a way to fill out my profile before XDS Connect opens?
Yes and no.
Your profile will be pre-populated with the information you provided during your ticket purchase or when registering as a sponsor or speaker. However, aside from that, you won’t be able to access or complete your profile until XDS Connect officially opens on August 7 / 12.
Once the platform is live, you can review and update your profile details to make sure everything is accurate and ready for networking.
Is the Teams function on XDS Connect available only to event attendees?
Yes. XDS Connect, including the Teams feature is exclusively accessible to registered XDS attendees. Only those officially registered for the event can create or join teams within the platform.
REGISTRATION
Do developers and service providers have different badge colors to help distinguish them during the event?
Yes. Badge colors are used to visually differentiate attendee types—including developers and service providers—making it easier to identify and connect with the right people throughout the event.
NETWORKING
How can Service Providers optimize their networking experience at XDS?
Great networking starts before XDS even begins. Here are a few ways to make the most of your opportunities:
Before XDS Connect opens:
Research who’s attending. Many attendees update their LinkedIn status to show they’ll be at XDS. It’s a great way to start identifying potential connections.
Check XDS Spark. Participating companies often tag XDS as one of their upcoming events.
Explore the XDS website. Our Sponsor and Speaker pages are great resources to understand who’s involved.
Once XDS Connect is live:
Use the filter tools. XDS Connect allows you to search by company type, location, focus area, and more. This helps you find the right meeting partners.
Send intentional meeting requests. Be clear about what you’re looking for and why it’s worth connecting—this improves your chances of getting accepted.
During XDS:
Join social events. These are ideal for organic, low-pressure networking.
Stay open and approachable. Some of the best connections happen through unexpected conversations.
The key is to prepare in advance and engage with purpose once you’re onsite.
Can I see the list of attendees before August 12?
For data protection reasons, the attendee list is not available prior to August 12. However, once XDS Connect opens, you’ll have full access to the attendee directory, including filtering and search tools to help you find the most relevant contacts for your goals at XDS.
When I book a meeting through XDS Connect, will I be assigned a specific place to meet?
Yes. When you schedule a meeting through XDS Connect in the XDS Connect Meeting Zone, a table number is automatically assigned to your meeting.
If you’re meeting with an exhibitor, they may choose to host the meeting at their booth instead.
In cases where the XDS Connect Zone is fully booked at your selected time, the system will assign an alternative meeting location within the venue.
SCHEDULE & PROGRAM
Is there time for B2B meetings on the first day of XDS? What happens between 12:00 and 4:00 PM on Tuesday?
Yes, absolutely. B2B meetings begin on Tuesday at 1:00 PM and run until 6:00 PM. The time between 12:00 and 1:00 PM you can use to take one final break, and then the afternoon is fully dedicated to networking through scheduled meetings on XDS Connect. It’s a great opportunity to kick off your week by connecting with new partners right from the start.
How can I apply to participate in the Live Pitch Review at XDS?
To apply for the Live Pitch Review, simply fill out the application form here: Pitch Review Application Form.
Deadline to apply: August 12, 2025.
This is a great opportunity to get feedback on your pitch from a panel of experts in front of a live audience—don’t miss out!
Where can I find a complete schedule of events and social gatherings during XDS?
You can explore the full lineup of sessions, workshops, and after-hours events—including all official parties—on our XDS Schedule page.
From keynote addresses and breakout sessions to evening receptions and networking socials, this schedule has everything you need to plan your XDS experience.
Can you share more details about Women @ XDS?
Absolutely! Women @ XDS was founded at XDS23 with the goal of fostering a supportive and empowering environment for women working in the male-dominated gaming industry.
At XDS25, we’re proud to continue this initiative with Women @ XDS presented by West Studios, taking place just across the street at Batch Vancouver. This event is designed to help female-identifying attendees connect, share experiences, exchange expertise, and build community within the industry.
Please note: Attendance is limited to female-identifying XDS25 attendees.
Women @ XDS is taking place Tuesday, Sep 2 at 4 PM at Batch on Plaza, just opposite of the XDS Venue.
If my spouse isn’t registered for XDS, can they still attend Bites & Banter or any other events?
Yes—Bites & Banter is the one XDS event open to guests. Registered attendees can purchase up to two tickets: one for themselves and one for a guest (such as a spouse, friend, or colleague who isn’t attending XDS). The primary ticket must be purchased by a registered attendee.
Please note: Aside from Bites & Banter, all other XDS events are exclusively for registered attendees.
You can find more details and ticket info for Bites & Banter here.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
Do you supply cough drops, or should we bring our own? 🙂
We have Vitamin Packages available… no cough drops though. 😛