[Ricky Q.]

You are correct in your assumption, accomplishing any of those at a 2005 regional event will qualify you for Atlanta in 2005. You may also try your luck in the tier system, but it is a long shot.

Also doing any of those this year will have no effect on your qualifying for next year, the only 2005 accomplishments that will have bearing for 2006 are if you win Nationals, win a national Engineering Inspiration award, or whoever wins the national Chairman's Award.