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

Guest Speaker

1:00 PM–1:30 PM

Breakout Sessions - Block 1

1:30 PM–2:20 PM

Breakout Sessions - Block 2

2:30 PM–3:20 PM

Round Table Discussions

3:30 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

1:30 PM–2:20 PM

Tuesday

Coach Corner: Best Practices for Success

Main Room

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.

RECF Competition Portal 101: Creating Your Event

“Technology” Classroom

Get hands-on training with the new RECFevents.org Portal. Learn how to create and publish your event online. Bring your laptop and follow along as we walk through the setup process.

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

2:30 PM–3:20 PM

Tuesday

Coach Corner: Best Practices for Success

Main Room

RECF Competition Portal 101: Creating Your Event

“Technology” Classroom

Get hands-on training with the new RECFevents.org Portal. Learn how to create and publish your event online. Bring your laptop and follow along as we walk through the setup process.

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.

TBD

“Technology” Classroom

TBD

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

Competition Logbook Fundamentals: Make It Work for Your Team

Main Room

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

Main Room

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.

RECF Competition Portal 201: Running Your Event

“Technology” Classroom

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.

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

Fueling Teams and Events Through Fundraising and Community Partnerships

Main Room

RECF Competition Portal 201: Running Your Event

“Technology” Classroom

Robolink & CoDrone EDU: Sensor-Powered Missions with Blockly & Python

“Drone” Classroom

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

CoDrone EDU Boot Camp: Diagnosing your Drone

“Drone” Classroom

Block 7

3:40 PM–4:30 PM

Wednesday

Drones in CTE: Workforce Readiness & Career Pathways

Main Room

Learn how to integrate drone technology into Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Explore how ADC supports multiple career clusters, from STEM and aviation to public safety and logistics.

Competition Logbook Fundamentals: Make It Work for Your Team

“Technology” Classroom

Event Partner Roundtable: Sharing Best Practices

“Drone” Classroom