[RoboMom]

Welcome to FIRST and FRC! Every Regional has local planning committees and takes much pride in adding local "flavor" to their events. It's hard work putting on these events and most involve 100+ volunteers.

Thank you for all the kind words above re: the Chesapeake Regional. For 11 years the planning committee has worked hard to make it a fun and friendly event for all the constituents - both the teams and the volunteers. I can't speak to the "toughness" of the event this year. With the district system in many of the states to our north, we will have to see which teams sign up.

We are very excited to be hosting the event this year at the Comcast Center on the University of Maryland campus. We will miss Baltimore, but are happy with the opportunities at the new venue. The event will be a little smaller this year (54 rather than 64 teams) so teams will get more matches. We are working on the feasibility of a team social.

We have hosted international teams at our event before, and as was mentioned, could arrange "partners" for you here. There would be many local teams who would be delighted to help you with the logistics.

Depending on your flights, you have the choice of Dulles for direct flights from Dubai or switching in NY to arrive at BWI. Both airports are about 45 minutes away from College Park, Maryland.

Washington DC is accessible by public transport from College Park and I would highly recommend that if you come to Chesapeake that you add on a couple of days of sightseeing in the area. There is so much to see just in Washington DC and lots to also see in Maryland, depending on your time frame.

The Chesapeake Regional Planning Committee would be happy to talk to your team advisors. I have sent you my email if you would like to follow-up.