A collaborative session for event partners focused on sharing strategies, experiences, and practical tips for delivering a successful event day. Explore what makes events run smoothly on site, from team flow and volunteer coordination to judging support and troubleshooting common day-of challenges. Learn what works, what to avoid, and how experienced event partners manage the pace and energy of competition day.

This breakout session will share practical insights and real-world lessons learned from launching and developing an ADC Pro drone program. Attendees will gain an understanding of key startup considerations, including program planning, equipment selection, training, operational procedures, stakeholder engagement, and overcoming common challenges. Whether you are building a new team or expanding an existing capability, this session will provide actionable strategies and best practices to help accelerate your program's success.

This session is for all coaches, both new and returning, who want to learn more about Robolink, CoDrone EDU, competition preparation, and available educator resources. We will cover exciting updates for the 26-27 season, frequently asked questions, best practices, troubleshooting strategies, and important competition updates. This session will also include a hands-on component where attendees will demo our new drone, CoDrone EDU Plus, fly the CoDrone EDU using a TI calculator, and explore how to build adaptable code that can withstand changes between classroom setups and official competition fields.

What does it take to host an ADC Pro event? This session will outline key requirements for event partners, including planning considerations, staffing, equipment, and site needs. Explore what is needed to successfully launch and run an ADC Pro event and how it builds on existing Aerial Drone Competition event structures.
Learn practical steps for preparing your site, supporting teams, and ensuring a smooth event experience from setup through competition day.

Already read the help articles and watched the videos, but your drone still is not working? This hands-on session takes a practical deep dive into CoDrone EDU maintenance, common hardware issues, and repairs that coaches or students can take care of themselves. Participants will learn what to look for when diagnosing drone issues, how to complete effective pre-flight inspections, and best practices for maintaining drones throughout the season and during competitions. Coaches will be able to apply their new knowledge in an activity of diagnosing drones, identifying possible causes, and suggesting repairs and next steps. Note: This is not a programming session.

Join a technical expert from MINDS-i Education for an introduction to the hardware, software, and setup of the MINDS-i UAV Competition Kit used in ADC Pro. Learn the basics of assembly, Betaflight configuration, programming, and troubleshooting, and discover the resources available to help your team get up and running quickly.

Get ready to code! In this hands-on session, coaches and educators of all experience levels 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 support students through troubleshooting and debugging challenges. You can participate in this session using Blockly or Python.

A collaborative session for event partners focused on sharing strategies, experiences, and practical tips for delivering a successful event day. Explore what makes events run smoothly on site, from team flow and volunteer coordination to judging support and troubleshooting common day-of challenges. Learn what works, what to avoid, and how experienced event partners manage the pace and energy of competition day.

Whether you are new to the Aerial Drone Competition or a returning coach, join this interactive session focused on proven strategies for building successful teams, navigating the competition season, and making the most of available time and resources.

Join a technical expert from MINDS-i Education for an introduction to the hardware, software, and setup of the MINDS-i UAV Competition Kit used in ADC Pro. Learn the basics of assembly, Betaflight configuration, programming, and troubleshooting, and discover the resources available to help your team get up and running quickly.

This session will focus on instructional and programmatic strategies that lower barriers to entry for students, especially girls and other underrepresented learners, in drone and robotics programs. Drawing on my experience as a Robolink Ambassador, RECF coach, event partner, and DoD STEM Ambassador, I will share specific “teacher moves” and curriculum design choices that build confidence, normalize productive struggle, and connect drone technology to real-world careers. Participants will explore how classroom-based drone instruction can serve as an on-ramp to competition teams, rather than a gatekeeping mechanism. The session will include concrete examples, discussion of common challenges, and take-away strategies that educators and coaches can immediately apply in their own contexts.

Already read the help articles and watched the videos, but your drone still is not working? This hands-on session takes a practical deep dive into CoDrone EDU maintenance, common hardware issues, and repairs that coaches or students can take care of themselves. Participants will learn what to look for when diagnosing drone issues, how to complete effective pre-flight inspections, and best practices for maintaining drones throughout the season and during competitions. Coaches will be able to apply their new knowledge in an activity of diagnosing drones, identifying possible causes, and suggesting repairs and next steps. Note: This is not a programming session.

Starting a new team can feel overwhelming, but a little organization goes a long way. This session will share simple tips for managing team materials, keeping equipment organized, and planning practices that run smoothly and make the most of your time with students. Veteran coaches are also welcome to come and share their best practices as we all learn from each other!

Come learn about the RECF Robotics Programs Engage, Achieve and Inspire