Look Out FIRST! A report on the TNFIRST 2014 Regional Meet and Greet.

[MelodyPond]

Look out FIRST! Tennessee FIRST is growing not only in numbers, but in spirit. This weekend Team 4265, The Secret City Wildbots teamed up with TNFIRST to host the third annual regional Meet and Greet. To say the least, we were overwhelmed by the GP of teams who attended.

Here you can find video footage of the event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2rK2-zs98M

The purpose of the event was to bring the region together for a series of workshops, robot demonstrations, and of course pizza, before the Kick-off in January. Our goal was to create a fun environment for FIRSTers to mingle and geek-out with teams from all over the region and spark inter-team relationships, as well as sustain and strengthen the region.

Over 200 FIRSTers from 18 teams and 2 states attended to hear LabVIEW Beta Testing results and first hand accounts on the pros and cons of the 3D printers available through FIRST Choice. In addition, each team created and presented a 2.5 minute "Lightening Talk" detailing their team's history and off season projects. We are so thankful for the support of all teams that attended.

We would also like to give a big shout out and "Well Done!" to the following:
Team 3824 HVA RoHAWKtics for their 3D Printer workshop and demonstration
Team 3675 Eagletrons for teaming up with The Secret City Wildbots to present the LabVIEW Beta Testing results
Our sponsors for feeding all 200 of us: Tech 20/20, Hot Bagel Co., and Home Depot!

Here is the agenda of the event:
09:30 AM Registration, Robot Load-in, donuts and drinks
10:00 AM Welcome, Introductions, and Information about the 2014 Kick-Off and Quick build
10:15 AM Guest Speaker Bob Eby - USEC
10:20 AM Lightning Talks from FRC Teams
11:00 AM Introduction to 3D Printers and FIRST Choice: HVA RoHAWKtics
11:30 AM Rookie-to-Rookie Preview Presentation: Full Metal Jackets
11:40 AM Robot parts and materials ordering (AndyMark, FIRST Choice etc.)
12:00 PM FIRST Choice Ordering Opens (bring your laptops)
12:15 PM Lunch (Pizza and drinks) provided by Tech 20/20
12:45 PM Robot demonstrations and Special Topics Information Sessions
02:00 PM Event Ends

Special Interest Sessions included:
LabVIEW Beta Testing Results from Teams 3675 The Eagletrons and 4265 The Secret City Wildbots
What to Expect at the Kick-Off and Quick Build
How and Where to Find Help During Build Season

We'll see you all again on January 4th for the 2nd Annual TNFIRST Quick Build!

[MrTimKlein]

Thank you for your hospitality and the opportunity to meet and learn from some really great teams.

[Nathan Streeter]

Sounds like a great event!