No Team Social at Regional?

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by TMHStitans

I am just wondering because everyone really seemed to enjoy it last year. I can't think of any reason not to have one.

The biggest reason is usually money. Many many thousands of dollars is the reason why the Chesapeake won't have one. Although I can dream about having an ALL team banquet in King Hall, with seats for everyone at the long tables.....
Rumor has it there are some off site off the record team socials but I can't know about them.

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

I can't say I'm surprised that this has been an issue. However, I definitly agree with something said above. In a period of time where it is getting harder and harder for teams to afford multiple regionals without strain, the first thing that gets cut back has to be outside of the competition itself. However, I think that there are a few things you should do if you're caught at a regional with nobody to spread robotics joy to after that Friday or whatever.

Your hotel probably has a good few other teams. At the National level, this is more likely to happen, but I remember having at least 1 or 2 other teams from MWR at our hotel last year. Also, at competitions, if you've got a laptop, that's a great way to socialize, providing you have internet access in your hotel room and you pay for that, not your team.

I plan to have loads of fun hugging during the day, and make my team social last all day. Robotics is a unique competitive event in that you have so much time to interact during competition, and that this is a huge part of the expectation at a regional event. Use it well!

[jzampier]

Well being the Team Social Coordinator for the Finger Lakes Regional I guess its appropriate to comment here a little bit.

I will say first and foremost that money is the defining factor in planning a social.
Interestingly enough it isn't even the activities that cost a lot, it's the FOOD.
(The cost of which is based on the number of attendees...)
We were lucky enough to have two sponsors step up at the last minute and
cover the social costs. (You guys know who you are... and you rock)

Now for the fun stuff:
For those teams lucky enough to be attending Finger Lakes the
social offers the following:
1. A comedian.
2. A band (no dancing, obviously)
3. A movie on a big screen, (Finding Nemo, if you must know)
4. Karoke (yet again, no dancing)
5. Access to basketball courts.

Everything is designed to be family friendly.
Dinner will also be served.
Food should be Vegitarian (maybe even Vegan) friendly, as well as Lent friendly.

Wrist bands will be issued to teams.
(Sorry I hate them too, but we have to limit numbers b/c of cost)

[LSevcik]

The Lone Star Regional as mentioned before will have a team social from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be fun games for the mascots, a Woody/Dean look a like contest, door prizes, and ice cream for all. We will have a webcast as well.

[Don Knight]

The Arizona Regional will be having a Team Social on Friday night!
It will be held at the Arizona Science Center as in past years.
http://www.azscience.org/
This years menu is an Arizona Barbecue.

Great Weather
Great Volunteers
Great Organization
Great Venue
Great "Bang for your Buck"
Great Team Social

Another great reason to put the Arizona Regional on your competition list!