RECF Summit for Robotics Programs

Introduction

The annual Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) Summit will be held on July 14-15, 2026 with optional Coach and Event Partner Workshops on July 13.

The RECF Summit is designed for Coaches and Event Partners of all experience levels. We will highlight all of the new and exciting information for the upcoming season. Participants will be able to attend training and discussion-based breakout sessions on a variety of topics. Professional Development credit can be awarded by attending!

Participation is limited to 120 attendees. Those selected to attend will be notified by March 13. We will make a concerted effort to have representation from as many different event regions as possible. Because of that, the number of attendees selected from each event region may be limited.

Full Event Agenda

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 1 Workshops

Workshop Session 1 - 1:30PM-3:30PM CT

Event Partner Workshop 1: 
This session is built for participants who are considering becoming a new Event Partner for the first time. Participants will take a look at what it means to be an RECF Event Partner and receive a practical overview of what it takes to step into this role from the start. Key topics include Commitment to Event Excellence, venue selection, budgeting, volunteer recruitment and management, event logistics, and day-of coordination. By the end of the session, new Event Partners will have a clear roadmap, ready-to-use planning tools, and the confidence to deliver a well-run, team-focused competition experience.

Coach Workshop 1: 
This session is designed specifically for new coaches who are preparing to lead their first team. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the coach’s role, season structure, and key elements of managing and running a competition team. Resources will be provided on creating and registering teams, competition programs, and preparing for events. By the end of the session, new coaches will leave with team resources, sustainable coach training, and confidence to start and sustain a successful robotics season.

RoboMentors:
RoboMentors is the only website that is used for judging - this duplicates much of the functionality of paper forms, but exists in a webpage format that is linked to RECFevents.org for performance information. It is a tool used to manage judge volunteers and the judging process. Learn how to operate the system and use at your event.

Workshop Session 2 - 3:30PM-5:00PM CT

Event Partner Workshop 2: 
This session is designed for newer Event Partners who have hosted an event (or are preparing to) and are looking for practical tips, lessons learned, and ways to make their events run more smoothly. The focus is on strategies that help simplify planning, avoid common challenges, and improve the overall event experience.
Participants will explore time-saving tools, best practices, and common pitfalls to watch for when planning an event. The session will also include a walkthrough of posting an event on RECFevents.org, along with tips and tricks for setting up event details, managing registrations, and avoiding common setup mistakes. Time will also be set aside for a roundtable discussion where Event Partners can share best practices, ideas, and lessons learned with one another.

Coach Workshop 2:
This advanced session is tailored for experienced robotics coaches seeking to refine their programs and elevate team experience. The session focuses on strategic coaching practices that support team sustainability, student-centered coaching, and intentional competition preparation. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to manage multi-team programs and explore ways to strengthen program growth and sustain high-quality team experiences.

RoboMentors:
RoboMentors is the only website that is used for judging - this duplicates much of the functionality of paper forms, but exists in a webpage format that is linked to RECF Events for performance information. It is a tool used to manage judge volunteers and the judging process. Learn how to operate the system and use at your event.

Day 2 & 3 Breakout Schedule 

Day 2 & 3 Breakout Descriptions

90 Minute Sessions

• Future Robotics Game Discussion: Community input needed on what future RECF Robotics games should look like.
• Future Drones Game Discussion: Community input needed on what future RECF Drones games should look like.
• Engineering Notebook Best Practices: An opportunity to share best practices, and also share feedback to the RECF’s CJC (Competition Judging Committee) about Engineering Notebook requirements and evaluation process.
• Judging Best Practices: An opportunity to share best practices, and also share feedback to the RECF's CJC (Competition Judging Committee) aboutthe judging process.
• Workforce Development: Explore how RECF supports Workforce Development. Did you know that the RECF provides schools the opportunity to offer their students Industry Certifications for Pre-Engineering and Robotics? Participate in a Q&A discussion as to how we can develop additional Workforce Initiatives/Competitions.
• New RECF Event Management Software: Introduction and preview of the new event management software for all RECF STEM Programs

60 Minute Sessions

• Aerial Drones Competition: Explore the Aerial Drone Competition! Learn about the competition format, required equipment, and key components needed to have a successful team or event.
• Aerial Drones Competition Pro: Explore ADC Pro! Learn about the competition format, required equipment, and key components needed to have a successful team or event.
• Advocacy: Overview of RECF's Advocacy Initiatives and Ongoing Work and how coaches can get involved.
• Coaching Resources: Overview of available resources followed by an open discussion of desired resources.
• Conference Model: Reviewing successes from the Conference pilot program, sharing updates for this seasons, Q&A.
• Event Partner Resources: A walkthru of RECF EP Resources and how to utilize them.
• Event Prep for Teams: Assist teams with executive skill development in an effort to reduce the stress of the big day. Who doesn't need a little time management assistance?
• Grants and Fundraising for Teams: Explore grant opportunites through the RECF and how to sustain programs.
• Navigating RECF Events (Coaches): Walkthrough of RECFEvents for coaches . Followed by overview on additional sites to support coaches with Q&A.
• Navigating RECF Events (Event Partners): Walkthrough of RECFEvents for Event Partners, focusing on creating events . Followed by overview on additional sites to support Event Partners with Q&A.
• RECF Achieve: Pinnacle: Overview and discussion of the 2026-27 RECF Achieve game, Pinnacle
• RECF Engage: Tier Takeover: Overview and discussion of the 2026-27 RECF Engage game, Tier Takeover
• Strategic Design: Developing a solution to a problem isn’t always easy. Using the strategic design approach, coaches will learn techniques to guide their students through the iterative design process, and develop achievable, measurable goals based on game manual rules and available resources. 
• Volunteer Recruitment and Certifications: Come learn best practices for volunteer recruitment and retention from RECF's volunteer coordinator and share your own best practices and tips on recruiting and retaining volunteers. We'll also give an overview of RECF's volunteer training and certification platform and courses. 

Table Talk Topics

• Aerial Drone Competition
• Aerial Drone Competition Pro
• Advisory Boards
• Advocacy
• Alumni
• College Initiatives
• Conferences
• Grants/Fundraising
• Industry Certifications
• IRHS
• JROTC
• Leagues
• Online Challenges
• Outreach Initiatives
• Signature Events
• Team Management
• Volunteer Certifications
• Webinars (Coach, Event Partner, Judge, Head Referee)