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Unread 18-11-2002, 11:09
ChrisH's Avatar Unsung FIRST Hero
ChrisH ChrisH is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2001
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I was able to go to the Manchester Kickoff twice.

The first time was our second year as a team, so I thought I knew what FIRST was about. However, due to weather, we had three flights cancelled out from underneath us and we didn't get to Manchester until 3am Saturday morning. Needless to say we were not in the best of shape at the Kickoff.

The second year, I wanted to learn more about the animation software so I suggested we go early for the Friday seminars, it would also give us more margin in case of bad weather. The extra $100 for a motel room and car the extra day seemed worth it.

That was when I found out what FIRST is really about. Gracious Professionalism and changing the culture. They really pounded it in, or so it seemed to me. The party at Dean's was also pretty neat, even if I did inadvertently get our sponsor (JPL) in trouble while talking to Dan Goldin. How many people do you know that can say they talked to the head of NASA at a party? (Except FIRSTers of course)

Now I highly recommend that Rookie team leaders go to Manchester for the Kickoff and the seminars. It helps you put so much together as to what is going on. FIRST is a very subtle organization. There is alot of psychology in everything they do. The party at Dean's has a purpose beyond being a get together for 1800 or so of his closest friends.

Having the Championship at Epcot also played a part, which is why it is such a wrench to have it moved. But we are now too large for it to play that role anymore in any case.

I like the remote Kickoffs for veteran teams, though if I had the chance I'd still go to NH for the atmosphere (and to see friends from far away teams). But for Rookies, I think there is still a long way to go in terms of indoctrination at the remotes. Maybe some local committees can arrange a party at some local technocrat's house? That would help. Not sure who we could get though.

Andy is right about seminars on the day of the Kickoff being too late. That is why ours are next weekend (9-4 CSUN). But having something at Kickoff makes it easier for the teachers to justify the extra day. It makes it an "educational opportunity" (FIRST being subtle again) and speaking as a Californian, it makes the travel easier and more enjoyable to not be on the move for most of 48 hours.
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