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RECF Summit for Drone Programs

2025

Introduction

Robotics Education & Competition Foundation Summit Aerial Drone Program. July 22-23. St. Louis. Aerial Drone Competition

The 2025 Inaugural REC Foundation Drone Competition Summit will take place on July 22nd-23rd, 2025, with a check-in reception on July 21st at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.

Note: This Summit is for the REC Foundation Drone Competition and in a different building than the REC Foundation Summit for VEX Robotics Programs.

This Summit will feature general sessions and separate breakout sessions for Coaches and Event Partners, with a range of training and discussion topics. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations. Plus, attendees can earn Professional Development credit for participating.

Why Attend? We’re excited to unveil several new technology tools aimed at enhancing team and event operations, including:

  • A new web application for Aerial Drone Competition team and event registration.
  • A new web-based Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) Competition Portal to run Aerial Drone Competition events.
  • A new Aerial Drone Competition Mobile App to access competition information.
  • Specialized sessions tailored for both coaches and event partners
  • Engaging discussions on best practices and future innovations
  • A chance to connect, learn, and grow within the Aerial Drone Competition community
  • No registration fee—just cover your travel and lodging!

Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. A reserved hotel room block is available at the Drury Hotel Hotel St. Louis at the Arch. We encourage you to book through our designated hotel block before June 18, 2025 to take advantage of convenient accommodations and discounted rates. 

Lunch will be provided on both July 22 and 23, along with dinner on July 22. On the evening of July 23, dinner will not be provided, giving attendees the opportunity to explore St. Louis and enjoy the local dining scene individually or in groups.

Capacity is limited to 50 attendees and interest surveys were collected in February/March. If you would like to be added to a waitlist, complete this interest form.

Questions? Reach out to your Regional Support Manager.

Agenda

The Agenda is for Central Daylight Time and subject to change.

Day 1

Monday, July 21
Welcome Reception and Q&As with RECF Drone Support Managers
6:00–8:00 PM

Day 2

Tuesday, July 22
Welcome
8:30 AM–9:15 AM
25-26 ADC Program Updates
9:15 AM–10:45 AM
Championships Discussions, QC, Double Qualifiers
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Lunch / Q&A
12:00 PM–12:45 PM
Breakout Sessions - Block 1
1:00 PM–1:50 PM
Breakout Sessions - Block 2
2:00 PM–2:50 PM
Round Table Discussions
3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Closing Reflections
5:00 PM–5:15 PM
Evening Reception at Hotel (optional)
5:30 PM–7:00 PM
Dinner / Networking / Q&A
6:15 PM–8:00 PM

Day 3

Wednesday, July 23
Welcome / Q&A
8:30 AM–9:15 AM
Breakout Sessions - Block 3
9:30 AM–10:20 AM
Breakout Sessions - Block 4 (90 minutes)
10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Lunch / Q&A
12:10 PM–1:00 PM
Breakout Sessions - Block 5 (90 minutes)
1:00 PM–2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions - Block 6
2:40 PM–3:30 PM
Breakout Sessions - Block 7
3:40 PM–4:30 PM
Closing Session / Q&A / Hot Topics
4:40 PM–5:30 PM
Evening Reception at Hotel (optional)
5:30 PM–7:00 PM
Dinner
On Your Own

General Session Topics for REC Foundation Drone Competition Summit

Engage in lively discussions on topics that impact everyone in our community. These sessions are designed to keep you informed, inspired, and connected as we head into the new season. Topics will include:

  • What’s New for the 2025–26 Season
  • Understanding Qualifying Criteria
  • Team Fundraising & Sustainability
  • Volunteer Coordination Best Practices
  • Securing Event Sponsors
  • Code of Conduct & Student-Centered Programs
  • Championship Types & Structure
  • Certifications for Instructors and Students
  • …and more!

These sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and gain valuable insights no matter your role.

Breakout Sessions

We will offer sessions tailored specifically for Coaches, Event Partners, and some that are relevant to all attendees. No matter your role, you're welcome to join any session that interests you. Most sessions will be offered multiple times, giving you the flexibility to attend as many as you'd like.

We especially encourage Coaches considering hosting events to attend Event Partner sessions for valuable insights, and Event Partners to join Coach sessions to better support team development in their regions.

Please Note: Topics are subject to change and will be finalized as the event approaches.

Block 1

1:00 PM–1:50 PM
Tuesday
RECF Account Portal: Creating Your Event
Main Room
Description: Get hands-on training with the new RECFevents.org Account Portal. Learn how to create and publish your event online. Bring your laptop and follow along as we walk through the setup process.
Coach Corner: Best Practices for Success
“Technology” Classroom
Whether you're new to the Aerial Drone Competition or a returning coach, this interactive session will highlight tried-and-true strategies for building strong teams, navigating the season, and making the most of your time and resources.
Robolink & CoDrone EDU: Updates, FAQs, and Best Practices
“Drone” Classroom
Stay ahead of the curve with the latest updates from Robolink for the 2025–26 season. This session is for returning coaches who need a refresher or want to know more about Robolink, CoDrone EDU, and available resources. We will cover exciting updates, best practices, troubleshooting strategies, and available educator resources.

Block 2

2:00 PM–2:50 PM
Tuesday
RECF Account Portal: Creating Your Event
Main Room
Description: Get hands-on training with the new RECFevents.org Account Portal. Learn how to create and publish your event online. Bring your laptop and follow along as we walk through the setup process.
Coach Corner: Best Practices for Success
“Technology” Classroom
Whether you're new to the Aerial Drone Competition or a returning coach, this interactive session will highlight tried-and-true strategies for building strong teams, navigating the season, and making the most of your time and resources.
Fueling Teams and Events Through Fundraising and Community Partnerships
“Drone” Classroom
This session explores practical strategies for team, event, and program-level fundraising, including how to engage local businesses, build community partnerships, and attract industry sponsors. The RECF Development Team will share insights on crafting compelling narratives, aligning student outcomes with sponsor interests, and leveraging both grassroots and large-scale opportunities to support education.

Block 3

9:30 AM–10:20 AM
Wednesday
Event Partner Roundtable: Sharing Best Practices
Main Room
A collaborative session for Event Partners to exchange ideas, experiences, and practical tips. From planning to execution, learn what works and what to avoid—perfect for both first-time and seasoned hosts.
ADC Pro: Beta Test Results & What's Next
“Technology” Classroom
Get a first look at ADC Pro, the advanced competition for high school students. Hear what our beta testers experienced and learn how this new level of competition is shaping up for future seasons.
CoDrone EDU Boot Camp: Diagnosing your Drone
“Drone” Classroom
Already read all the help articles and watched the videos, but your drone still isn’t working? This hands-on session takes a deep dive into common CoDrone EDU hardware issues, offering practical tips for diagnosing and resolving problems. Team up to complete a pre-flight inspection checklist and collaborate on best practices to support students during competitions. (This is not a programming session.)

Block 4

10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Wednesday
RECF Competition Portal: Running Your Event
Main Room
Dive into the logistics of running an event using the new RECFevents.org Competition Portal. From tablet scoring to event displays—get the tools to confidently run a smooth and successful competition. Bring your laptop.
Competition Logbook Fundamentals: Make It Work for Your Team
“Technology” Classroom
The Competition Logbook doesn’t have to feel like homework. Learn how to guide your students in using the logbook as an opportunity to practice written communication skills, which includes collaboration between students on the team, organizing and synthesizing ideas, and summarizing activities and actions.
Behind the Curtain: The Judging Process Explained
“Technology” Classroom
Ever wondered what judges look for in a winning team? Step into the judge’s shoes, explore rubrics, and learn how to support students throughout the season to prepare for a strong judging experience.
Robolink & CoDrone EDU: Sensor-Powered Missions with Blockly & Python
“Drone” Classroom
Get ready to code! In this hands-on session, you will explore all 7 sensors on CoDrone EDU. You will gain a deeper understanding of how each sensor works, how to apply sensor-based programming in autonomous flight missions, and how to guide students through debugging code. Bring your laptop for this hands-on session!

Block 5

1:00 PM–2:30 PM
Wednesday
RECF Competition Portal: Running Your Event
Main Room
Dive into the logistics of running an event using the new RECFevents.org Competition Portal. From tablet scoring to event displays—get the tools to confidently run a smooth and successful competition. Bring your laptop.
RECF Development: Fueling Teams and Events Through Fundraising and Community Partnerships
“Technology” Classroom
This session explores practical strategies for team, event, and program-level fundraising, including how to engage local businesses, build community partnerships, and attract industry sponsors. The RECF Development Team will share insights on crafting compelling narratives, aligning student outcomes with sponsor interests, and leveraging both grassroots and large-scale opportunities to support robotics and drone education.
Robolink & CoDrone EDU: Sensor-Powered Missions with Blockly & Python
“Drone” Classroom
Get ready to code! In this hands-on session, you will explore all 7 sensors on CoDrone EDU. You will gain a deeper understanding of how each sensor works, how to apply sensor-based programming in autonomous flight missions, and how to guide students through debugging code. Bring your laptop for this hands-on session!

Block 6

2:40 PM–3:30 PM
Wednesday
Using Drones to Fuel Cross-Curricular Learning in Middle School
Main Room
"Discover how the CoDrone EDU can transform middle school classrooms through engaging, standards-aligned projects across science, ELA, and social studies. This interactive session showcases drone-based activities that promote inquiry, coding, and ethical reflection, making STEM meaningful and accessible.

Explore creative applications like flight labs, drone-perspective storytelling, and historical simulations. Leave with ready-to-use lessons, strategies for diverse learners, and tools aligned to NGSS and CSTA standards. Whether you're new to drones or expanding cross-curricular use, this session offers practical ideas to spark curiosity and deepen learning."
Behind the Curtain: The Judging Process Explained
“Technology” Classroom
Ever wondered what judges look for in a winning team? Step into the judge’s shoes, explore rubrics, and learn how to support students throughout the season to prepare for a strong judging experience.
CoDrone EDU Boot Camp: Diagnosing your Drone
“Drone” Classroom
Already read all the help articles and watched the videos, but your drone still isn’t working? This hands-on session takes a deep dive into common CoDrone EDU hardware issues, offering practical tips for diagnosing and resolving problems. Team up to complete a pre-flight inspection checklist and collaborate on best practices to support students during competitions. (This is not a programming session.)

Block 7

3:40 PM–4:30 PM
Wednesday
Building a Culture of Support and Celebration: Volunteer Recruitment & Student Recognition
Main Room
Looking to strengthen your program through a network of committed volunteers and meaningful student recognition? This workshop will equip educators and program leaders with practical tools to recruit, engage, and retain volunteers: from parents and alumni to community partners. In addition, you'll learn creative ways to honor student achievement with recognitions that inspire pride and boost visibility for your program.
Competition Logbook Fundamentals: Make It Work for Your Team
“Technology” Classroom
The Competition Logbook doesn’t have to feel like homework. Learn how to guide your students in using the logbook as an opportunity to practice written communication skills, which includes collaboration between students on the team, organizing and synthesizing ideas, and summarizing activities and actions.
Event Partner Roundtable: Sharing Best Practices
“Drone” Classroom
A collaborative session for Event Partners to exchange ideas, experiences, and practical tips. From planning to execution, learn what works and what to avoid—perfect for both first-time and seasoned hosts.
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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