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RECF Summit for Robotics Programs

2026

Introduction

The 2026 RECF Summit will take place July 14-15, 2026 with optional Coach and Event Partner workshops on July 13. The event 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!

New This Year: 

  • Registration for the event will be $100. Selected participants will be sent a link to register and complete payment.
  • We will be offering 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.
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Agenda

Day 1

Monday, July 13
Registration Open
Room TBA
12:00-5:00 PM
Optional Pre-Summit Workshop #1 (Separate Coach and Event Partner session)
Room TBA
1:30-3:00 PM
Break
Room TBA
3:00-3:30 PM
Optional Pre-Summit Workshop #2 (Separate Coach and Event Partner session)
Room TBA
3:30-5:00 PM
Welcome/Reception (Embassy Suites)
Room TBA
5:30-7:00 PM

Day 2

Tuesday, July 14
Registration Open
Room TBA
8:00-8:30 AM
General Session: CEO Update / Q & A Session
Room TBA
8:30-9:30 AM
Break
Room TBA
9:30-9:45 AM
Breakout Block 1 (90 minutes)
Room TBA
9:45-11:15 AM
Break
Room TBA
11:15-11:30 AM
Breakout Block 2 (60 minutes)
Room TBA
11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Lunch
Room TBA
12:30-1:45 PM
General Session: State of RECF Programs
Room TBA
1:45-2:45 PM
Break
Room TBA
2:45-3:00 PM
Breakout Block 3 (60 minutes)
Room TBA
3:00-4:00 PM
Q & A
Room TBA
4:00-4:30 PM
Dinner/Networking (at Convention Center)
Room TBA
4:30-5:30 PM
Evening Reception at Hotel (optional)
Room TBA
5:30 PM–7:00 PM

Day 3

Wednesday, July 15
Doors Open/Networking
Room TBA
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
General Session: Your RECF STEM World Championship
Room TBA
8:30-9:30 AM
Break
Room TBA
9:30-9:45 AM
Breakout Block 4 (90 minutes)
Room TBA
9:45-11:15 AM
Break
Room TBA
11:15-11:30 AM
Breakout Block 5 (60 minutes)
Room TBA
11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Lunch
Room TBA
12:30-1:45 PM
Breakout Block 6 (60 minutes)
Room TBA
1:45-2:45 PM
Break
Room TBA
2:45-3:00 PM
Table Talk Sessions (3:00-3:25, 3:30-3:55, 4:00-4:25)
Room TBA
3:00-4:30 PM
Q & A / Wrap Up
Room TBA
4:30-5:00 PM
Dinner - On Your Own
Room TBA
5:00 PM
Evening Reception at Hotel (Optional)
Room TBA
5:30 PM–7:30 PM

Day 1 Workshops

Monday, July 13
Workshop Session 1 - 1:30PM-3:30PM CT
Room(s) TBA
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
Room(s) TBA
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 Sessions

(Descriptions TBD)
July 14-15
90 Minute Sessions
Room(s) TBA
  • 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 Drones Competition
  • Aerial Drones 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)

Breakout Sessions

Block 1

1:30–2:20PM
Tuesday
VIQRC Game: Mix & Match
Room 221
A discussion-based session about the new 2025-2026 VEX IQ Robotics Competition, led by the GDC
Smart Field Control
Room 222
A technical exploration into using the Smart Field Control system at events, including troubleshooting
Becoming an Event Partner
Room 223
A discussion-based session about best practices for new and prospective Event Partners
Competition Division Structure
Room 224
A strategic discussion on the future of REC Foundation competitions
New Season Judging Updates
Room 225
Learn about the new judging updates for the 2025-2026 season
Event/Team Fundraising and Marketing
Room 226
A discussion-based session about best practices, led by our Marketing and Development departments
Industry Certifications
Room 227
Learn about our Industry Certification program and how to incorporate it into your program
Understanding the Qualifying Criteria
Room 228
Learn about the details of the Qualifying Criteria for a better understanding of its sections
Resources for Coaches
Room 229
Learn about the many resources for Coaches, including the REC Library, webinars, and more

Block 2

2:30PM–3:20PM
Tuesday
V5RC Game: Push Back
Room 221
A discussion-based session about the new 2025-2026 VEX V5 Robotics Competition, led by the GDC
Smart Field Control
Room 222
A technical exploration into using the Smart Field Control system at events, including troubleshooting
Becoming an Event Partner
Room 223
A discussion-based session about best practices for new and prospective Event Partners
Code of Conduct Reporting at Events
Room 224
Learn about how to handle Code of Conduct and Student Centered issues at an event
Engineering Notebook Best Practices
Room 225
A discussion-based session about best practices for engineering notebooks.
Strategic Design
Room 226
A discussion based session for Coaches on how teams can maximize their robot designs with their available resources
Online Challenges
Room 227
Learn about how Online Challenges help students learn and compete beyond the competition field
Outreach Initiatives
Room 228
A brainstorming session on ways to get groups such as JROTC, Scouts, and many others from your community involved in robotics
Finding Volunteers for Events
Room 229
A brainstorming session on ways to find volunteers for events, led by our Volunteer Coordinator

Block 3

3:30PM–4:20PM
Tuesday
Leagues
Room 221
Learn about how Leagues operate, and explore the benefits of running Leagues in your region
Smart Field Control
Room 222
A technical exploration into using the Smart Field Control system at events, including troubleshooting
Tournament Manager Basics
Room 223
Learn the basics of setting up a tournament and the associated tech (a laptop with TM installed is recommended, but not required)
Code of Conduct Reporting at Events
Room 224
Learn about how to handle Code of Conduct and Student Centered issues at an event
New Season Judging Updates
Room 225
Learn about the new judging updates for the 2025-2026 season
FAC/Workcell
Room 226
Learn about the Factory Automation Competition and the new VEX Workcell
IRHS/Alumni
Room 227
Learn about how to start an IRHS chapter in your school
Creating and Growing Sustainable Robotics Programs
Room 228
A discussion based session about best practices for managing a robotics program
Resources for Coaches
Room 229
Learn about the many resources for Coaches, including the REC Library, webinars, and more

Block 4

8:30AM–9:20AM
Wednesday
VIQRC Game: Mix & Match
Room 221
A discussion-based session about the new 2025-2026 VEX IQ Robotics Competition, led by the GDC
Smart Field Control
Room 222
A technical exploration into using the Smart Field Control system at events, including troubleshooting
Tournament Manager Advanced
Room 223
Explore advanced features in Tournament Manager to take your event to the next level (a laptop with TM installed is recommended, but not required)
Competition Division Structure
Room 224
A strategic discussion on the future of REC Foundation competitions
The Judging Process For EPs and Coaches
Room 225
Learn about the judging process to prepare judges and teams for events
FAC/Workcell
Room 226
Learn about the Factory Automation Competition and the new VEX Workcell
RECF Certifications
Room 227
Learn about the new Moodle-based RECF Certification system
Event Preparation for Teams
Room 228
A discussion-based session for Coaches on how to prepare their teams for (and manage their teams during!) events
Organization & Team Registration Process
Room 229
Explore the upcoming changes to the team and organization registration process in RobotEvents

Block 5

9:30AM–10:20AM
Wednesday
V5RC Game: Push Back
Room 221
A discussion-based session about the new 2025-2026 VEX V5 Robotics Competition, led by the GDC
VEX Education: Competition in the Classroom STEM Labs w/ Educator Q&A
Room 222
TBD
Livestreaming
Room 223
A technical exploration into Livestreaming and sharing of best practices
Competition Division Structure
Room 224
A strategic discussion on the future of REC Foundation competitions
New Season Judging Updates
Room 225
Learn about the new judging updates for the 2025-2026 season
Event/Team Fundraising and Marketing
Room 226
A discussion-based session about best practices, led by our Marketing and Development departments
Industry Certifications
Room 227
Learn about our Industry Certification program and how to incorporate it into your program
Understanding the Qualifying Criteria
Room 228
Learn about the details of the Qualifying Criteria for a better understanding of its sections
Resources for Coaches
Room 229
Learn about the many resources for Coaches, including the REC Library, webinars, and more

Block 6

10:30AM–11:20PM
Wednesday
Leagues
Room 221
Learn about how Leagues operate, and explore the benefits of running Leagues in your region
VEX Education: Competition in the Classroom STEM Labs w/ Educator Q&A
Room 222
TBD
Tournament Manager Basics
Room 223
Learn the basics of setting up a tournament and the associated tech (a laptop with TM installed is recommended, but not required)
Code of Conduct Reporting at Events
Room 224
Learn about how to handle Code of Conduct and Student Centered issues at an event
Engineering Notebook Best Practices
Room 225
A discussion-based session about best practices for engineering notebooks.
Strategic Design
Room 226
A discussion-based session about best practices, led by our Marketing and Development departments
Online Challenges
Room 227
Learn about how Online Challenges help students learn and compete beyond the competition field
Creating and Growing Sustainable Robotics Programs
Room 228
A discussion based session about best practices for managing a robotics program
Finding Volunteers for Events
Room 229
A brainstorming session on ways to find volunteers for events, led by our Volunteer Coordinator

Block 7

1:30PM–2:20PM
Wednesday
VIQRC Game: Mix & Match
Room 221
A discussion-based session about the new 2025-2026 VEX IQ Robotics Competition, led by the GDC
VEX Education: Virtual Skills and Virtual Driver Practice w/ Software Q&A
Room 222
TBD
Tournament Manager Advanced
Room 223
Explore advanced features in Tournament Manager to take your event to the next level (a laptop with TM installed is recommended, but not required)
Competition Division Structure
Room 224
A strategic discussion on the future of REC Foundation competitions
New Season Judging Updates
Room 225
Learn about the new judging updates for the 2025-2026 season
FAC/Workcell
Room 226
Learn about the Factory Automation Competition and the new VEX Workcell
IRHS/Alumni
Room 227
Learn about how to start an IRHS chapter in your school
Outreach Initiatives
Room 228
A brainstorming session on ways to get groups such as JROTC, Scouts, and many others from your community involved in robotics
Resources for Coaches
Room 229
Learn about the many resources for Coaches, including the REC Library, webinars, and more

Block 8

2:30PM–3:20PM
Wednesday
V5RC Game: Push Back
Room 221
A discussion-based session about the new 2025-2026 VEX V5 Robotics Competition, led by the GDC
VEX Education: Virtual Skills and Virtual Driver Practice w/ Software Q&A
Room 222
TBD
Livestreaming
Room 223
A technical exploration into Livestreaming and sharing of best practices
Code of Conduct Reporting at Events
Room 224
Learn about how to handle Code of Conduct and Student Centered issues at an event
The Judging Process For EPs and Coaches
Room 225
Learn about the judging process to prepare judges and teams for events
FAC/Workcell
Room 226
Learn about the Factory Automation Competition and the new VEX Workcell
RECF Certifications
Room 227
Learn about the new Moodle-based RECF Certification system
Event Preparation for Teams
Room 228
A discussion-based session for Coaches on how to prepare their teams for (and manage their teams during!) events
Organization & Team Registration Process
Room 229
Explore the upcoming changes to the team and organization registration process in RobotEvents
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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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