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.
- Registration for the event will be $100. Selected participants will be sent a link to register and complete payment.
- We will offer optional hands-on training in Coach and Event Partner Workshops on July 13 starting at 1:30PM central time, along with an evening reception at the Embassy Suites Downtown St. Louis after the workshops.
Other Important Notes:
- Attendees must cover their own travel and lodging costs. Selected attendees will be given a link to book their reservations through a preferred hotel block with discounted rates.
- Lunch will be provided on July 14 and 15.
- Dinner will be provided on July 14.
- Dinner will not be provided on July 15 to give attendees the chance to explore the city on their own or in groups.
Full Event Agenda
Day 1
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Session | Room |
| Pre-Conference (Optional) | ||||
July 13 | 12:00PM | 5:00PM | Registration Open | Convention Center |
July 13 | 1:30PM | 3:00PM | Optional Pre-Summit Workshops #1 | Event Partner 1: 223 Coach 1: 222 RoboMentors: 221 |
July 13 | 3:00PM | 3:30PM | Break | |
July 13 | 3:30PM | 5:00PM | Optional Pre-Summit Workshops #2 | Event Partner 2: 223 Coach 2: 222 RoboMentors: 221 |
July 13 | 5:30PM | 7:00PM | Welcome/Reception (Embassy Suites) | |
Day 2
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Session | Room |
July 14 | 8:00AM | 8:30AM | Registration Open | Convention Center |
July 14 | 8:30AM | 9:30AM | General Session: CEO Update / Q & A Session | Room 221 |
July 14 | 9:30AM | 9:45AM | Break | |
July 14 | 9:45AM | 11:15PM | Breakout Block 1 (90 minutes) | Various |
July 14 | 11:15AM | 11:30AM | Break | |
July 14 | 11:30AM | 12:30PM | Breakout Block 2 (60 minutes) | Various |
July 14 | 12:30PM | 1:45PM | Lunch | Room 221 |
July 14 | 1:45PM | 2:45PM | General Session: State of RECF Programs | Room 221 |
July 14 | 2:45PM | 3:00PM | Break | |
July 14 | 3:00PM | 4:00PM | Breakout Block 3 (60 minutes) | Various |
July 14 | 4:00PM | 4:30PM | Q & A | Room 221 |
July 14 | 4:30PM | 5:30PM | Dinner/Networking (at Convention Center) | Room 221 |
July 14 | 5:30PM | 7:00PM | Evening Reception at Hotel (optional) |
Day 3
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Session | Room |
July 15 | 8:00AM | 8:30AM | Doors Open/Networking | Convention Center |
July 15 | 8:30AM | 9:30AM | General Session: Your RECF STEM World Championship | Room 221 |
July 15 | 9:30AM | 9:45AM | Break |
|
July 15 | 9:45AM | 11:15AM | Breakout Block 4 (90 minutes) | Various |
July 15 | 11:15AM | 11:30AM | Break |
|
July 15 | 11:30AM | 12:30PM | Breakout Block 5 (60 minutes) | Various |
July 15 | 12:30PM | 1:45PM | Lunch | Room 221 |
July 15 | 1:45PM | 2:45PM | Breakout Block 6 (60 minutes) | Various |
July 15 | 2:45PM | 3:00PM | Break |
|
July 15 | 3:00PM | 4:30PM | Table Talk Sessions (3:00-3:25, 3:30-3:555, 4:00-4:25) | Room 221 |
July 15 | 4:30PM | 5:00PM | Q & A / Wrap Up | Room 221 |
July 15 | 5:00PM | Dinner - On Your Own | ||
July 15 | 5:30PM | 7:30PM | Evening Reception at Hotel (optional) | |
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 REC Foundation 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 RECF.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 | Session | Time | Duration | Topic | Room Number |
| July 14 | Breakout 1 | 9:45AM-11:15AM | 90 Minutes | Future Robotics Game Discussion | 228 |
| Future Drones Game Discussion | 227 | ||||
| Engineering Notebook Best Practices | 226 | ||||
| Judging Best Practices | 223 | ||||
| Workforce Development | 222 | ||||
| New RECF Event Management Software | 221 | ||||
| July 14 | Breakout 2 | 11:30AM-12:30PM | 60 Minutes | Advocacy | 229 |
| The Conference Model | 228 | ||||
| Grants and Fundraising for Teams | 227 | ||||
| Aerial Drone Competition | 226 | ||||
| Aerial Drone Competition Pro | 223 | ||||
| Coaching Resources | 222 | ||||
| Navigating RECF Events (Event Partners) | 221 | ||||
| RECF Achieve Game | Lobby | ||||
| July 14 | Breakout 3 | 3:00PM-4:00PM | 60 Minutes | Event Prep for Teams | 229 |
| Strategic Design | 228 | ||||
| Volunteer Recruitment and Certifications | 227 | ||||
| Aerial Drone Competition | 226 | ||||
| Aerial Drone Competition Pro | 223 | ||||
| Event Partner Resources | 222 | ||||
| Navigating RECF Events (Coaches) | 221 | ||||
| RECF Engage Game | Lobby | ||||
| July 15 | Breakout 4 | 9:45AM-11:15AM | 90 Minutes | Future Robotics Game Discussion | 228 |
| Future Drones Game Discussion | 227 | ||||
| Engineering Notebook Best Practices | 226 | ||||
| Judging Best Practices | 223 | ||||
| Workforce Development | 222 | ||||
| New RECF Event Management Software | 221 | ||||
| July 15 | Breakout 5 | 11:30AM-12:30PM | 60 Minutes | Advocacy | 229 |
| The Conference Model | 228 | ||||
| Grants and Fundraising for Teams | 227 | ||||
| Aerial Drone Competition | 226 | ||||
| Aerial Drone Competition Pro | 223 | ||||
| Coaching Resources | 222 | ||||
| Navigating RECF Events (Event Partners) | 221 | ||||
| RECF Achieve Game | Lobby | ||||
| July 15 | Breakout 6 | 1:45PM-2:45PM | 60 Minutes | Event Prep for Teams | 229 |
| Strategic Design | 228 | ||||
| Volunteer Recruitment and Certifications | 227 | ||||
| Aerial Drone Competition | 226 | ||||
| Aerial Drone Competition Pro | 223 | ||||
| Event Partner Resources | 222 | ||||
| Navigating RECF Events (Coaches) | 221 | ||||
| RECF Engage Game | Lobby | ||||
Day 2 & 3 Breakout Descriptions (TBD)
90 Minute Sessions
- Future Robotics Game Discussion
- Future Drones Game Discussion
- Engineering Notebook Best Practices
- Judging Best Practices
- Workforce Development
- New RECF Event Management Software
60 Minute Sessions
- Aerial Drones Competition
- Aerial Drones Competition Pro
- Advocacy
- Coaching Resources
- Conference Model
- Event Partner Resources
- Event Prep for Teams
- Grants and Fundraising for Teams
- Navigating RECF Events (Coaches)
- Navigating RECF Events (Event Partners)
- New RECF Robotics Games
- Strategic Design
- Volunteer Recruitment and Certifications
Table Talk Topics
- Aerial Drone Competition
- Aerial Drone Competition Pro
- Advisory Boards
- Advocacy
- Alumni
- College Initatives
- Conferences
- Event Management
- Grants/Fundraising
- Industry Certifications
- IRHS
- JROTC
- Leagues
- Marketing
- Online Challenges
- Outreach Initatives
- Signature Events
- Team Management
- Volunteer Certifications
- Webinars (Coach, Event Partner, Judge, Head Referee)