[Donut]

I would recommend to try to go to a diverse group of regionals, since this would give different "views" from across FIRST and I think would carry a little more weight.

Toronto seems like a must, because it allows you to see a "super" regional, but also gives you information for a non-US competition.

A small competition (34 teams or less) might also be interesting, to see what differences happen with a small competition compared to the average sized regionals (40-45 teams).

If travel is possible, try coming to a Westcoast (CA, AZ, CO, NV, OR) or Southern (FL, TX, GA, LA, SC) regional, to show some cross country programs to the Board, as well as numerous newer teams.

And now, my obligatory Arizona pitch:

The Arizona Regional is wonderful, I have been there every year since it started and have yet to see a year without some spectacular robots. The regional itself has a large amount of newer teams (over 80% of the currently registered teams have team #'s above 1000, and almost half the teams are less than 2 years old), but still has a few veteran teams that keep churning out good designs (team 60 comes particularly to mind, as does the 2004 ROV Champions 842). We also have the only team from Mexico, 1401, at our regional. The temperature will likely be in the 85-95 degree range, and you can expect sun for the majority of your stay (though I won't guarantee it... we got our first day of rain in 140 days on the Saturday of the regional last year!). There is a massive team social at the Arizona Science Center on Friday that all the mentors, volunteers, and students can attend, with a catering service and access to almost all the exhibits (it's a 3 story complex, to give you an idea of what is available). Food at the regional is not a problem, as they do have a concession stand, but most teams order food from out and eat it in the parking lot, and I'm sure you could coordinate getting food with one of the teams (us included, one person more's meal won't make any difference). There was a barbecue available for everyone last year on Saturday courtesy of team 1324, I don't know if something similar will be happening this year. Lodging is not a problem (hotels are big and many in Phoenix), and airfare shouldn't be outrageous since we boast a large airport in Skyharbor, which houses Southwest's (now United) headquarters. And for transportation, all you need is a local team to carpool with. We have so many parents come for our team alone that I can guarantee it won't be a problem.

If you can come, we'll see to it that you'll never have any of that pesky free time to bug you while you're at the regional.