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RECF Summit for Robotics Programs

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Introduction

The annual Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) Summit was 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!

Coach and Event Partner Workshops

  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.

General and Breakout 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 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 opportunities through the RECF and how to sustain programs.
  • Judging & 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, and an opportunity to share best practices, and also share feedback to the RECF's CJC (Competition Judging Committee) about the judging process.
  • RECF STEM World Championship: Information on the RECF's historical involvement in the World Championship and plans for the 2027 RECF STEM World Championship
  • State of RECF Programs: An overview of the current state of the RECF with Ryan Osweiler, Vice President of Programs
  • 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. 
  • 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.