[Andy Baker]

What went well...

The FIRST signs all around downtown Atlanta were a nice welcome.

The view from the top of the Westin is outstanding. Many of the kids on team 45 have never seen such a facility or view.

The Braves game on Friday night was nice... good weather, great facility, and a good thing to do with a FIRST team. ... and 300 of your Indiana FIRST friends.

Teams in the Galileo division were great. As a mentor and drive coach on team 45, I did not run into a bad situation at all. I was even happy to get to know some people and teams that we have not known in the past.

The practice field for Galileo and Newton was managed incredibly well. Richard Wallace and another young lady ran it, and they did great. Major kudos to Richard.

Blair and Andy Grady on Galileo were a great pair at m/c and announcer. Those two are highly professional, and as entertaining as any duo.

Colleen Shaver, along with Dave and Nancy Kelso ran the Championship Conferences very well. As a presenter with Bill Beatty, their instructions and directions were clear. The facility was easily usable, and they were most helpful.

I liked that Ben Wrightsman and Gene Carey of Diversified Systems were located next to the AndyMark booth at the Supplier's Showcase, and they helped my wife at times during the 2 days that the booth was open.

I liked the opportunity to buy the "Behind the Design" and "FIRST" books at the Logo-Loc store. Also, I had the great pleasure of meeting Ann, the author of the "FIRST" book. She had me and my wife both autograph the book.

The announcement during Friday's opening ceremonies that Dr. William Murphy's father's Nobel Prize trust fund will be transferred to help support the Woodie Flowers Award was immense. Dr. Murphy is a hero to many of us in FIRST, and this gift to FIRST is huge. Many thanks to Dr. Murphy and his family.

Being a FIRST supplier, my wife and I took advantage of a few of the things that are offered to VIP's who are attending the Championships. The care of VIP's is impressive. We could not attend the dinner on Friday night, and will hopefully make it next year.

It was great to be allied with the Thunderchickens for the elimination rounds.

There are more, but enough for now.

Andy B.