Tips for First Time Championship Attendees

[Michael Hill]

Originally Posted by Jay O'Donnell

Take the opportunity to go check out some of the best robots in the world up close. I was lucky enough to get a close look at 67 and 1114s robots at CMP in 2012 and that's something I will never forget.

This. You'll generally also be surprised how happy some of the kids on the team are to give you a "tour" of their robot. All you have to do is ask! See a really cool manipulator on their robot? Just ask how it works. Most people are proud of their engineering accomplishments and are very enthusiastic about showing it off.

[mizscience]

This is a fantastic thread! I haven't been to Championships since it's left Atlanta, but reading these posts makes me excited to get out to St. Louis and Championships as soon as possible. Keep up with the great ideas!

[IndySam]

Bring lots of safety glasses and plenty of extras. Express that everyone should have them at all times (and take some time to thank the safety glasses volunteers, they have the worst job at Championship.)

Be prepared to walk, walk and walk some more.

And like Meredith said, spend some time with the FLL kids, they're awesome.

[NickTosta]

Originally Posted by Jay O'Donnell

Take the opportunity to go check out some of the best robots in the world up close. I was lucky enough to get a close look at 67 and 1114s robots at CMP in 2012 and that's something I will never forget.

This, right here. This is what puts the "Inspiration" in FIRST.

[RoboMom]

Be sure to look at the "Spectator Schedule" on the usfirst.org site and do some strategic planning. Note that there is no Scholarship Row on Sat. (be sure to visit on Thurs. or Friday) nor is there a Supplier Showcase on Sat.
Also the Sponsor and Alliance Exhibits close at 11am on Sat. (and some are there just Thurs & Friday). There is a lot of fun stuff to do at these exhibits so schedule a visit on Thurs. or Friday!

[BleakRNS]

Originally Posted by Phyrxes

If you have time I highly recommend visiting the City Museum, it will totally change your perspective of the word museum.

http://www.citymuseum.org/

I can vouch for this. How many other museums have a ball pit?

[Bob Steele]

Originally Posted by Phyrxes

If you have time I highly recommend visiting the City Museum, it will totally change your perspective of the word museum.

http://www.citymuseum.org/

What he said.... definitely

Make sure and meet other teams!!!
Cheer for everyone!!

[cxcad]

Quick question: How do you register for the conferences?

[jamierose]

My biggest recommendation is to see as many robots as possible in the pits. No matter how many you see, you'll probably wish that you had seen more. To me, at least, there's honestly nothing more inspiring than going to the pits at Champs and seeing hundreds of amazing teams and hundreds of different robots all designed to play the same game in hundreds of different ways.

[Meredith Novak]

The Championship is a celebration of all FIRST programs. There is so much stress when you compete, but try to take time and visit with some FLL and FTC teams. Invite them to your pit.

[leeivyca]

When Team 766 was there in 2011 we found this store useful: Culinaria http://www.schnucks.com/stores/store.asp?store=301

It is a grocery store, like a Whole Foods, with tea/coffee, breakfast, lunch, and even dinner to take out. It's at 315 N. 9th Street, an easy walk from the dome and most of the downtown hotels.

We are looking forward to being there again ...

[Dancin103]

Originally Posted by Meredith Novak

The Championship is a celebration of all FIRST programs. There is so much stress when you compete, but try to take time and visit with some FLL and FTC teams. Invite them to your pit.

This! 100% agree. These teams are absolutely incredible and will just brighten your day!

[Bill_B]

Just think of your outreach distance by inviting a team from Chile or Indonesia to a pit visit. FLL is the main reason FIRST gets to fly so many flags over the Einstein field. Remember also that FLLers get to Einstein first. Maybe some of that luck will rub off.

[KathieK]

Originally Posted by cxcad

Quick question: How do you register for the conferences?

Conference info including abstracts and registration information is here: http://www3.usfirst.org/roboticsprog...nd-conferences

[JesseK]

Take a dedicated camera with a 8GB+ SD card. Phone cameras are "fine", but generally don't do as great a job. Fill the camera with robot photos, pit photos, team photos, cart photos, etc - including detailed ways that things work. I can't count the number of photos I've reviewed only to find extra things I wasn't even thinking about at the time. Photos are good for everything from mechanism mounts, wiring guidelines, awesome roller intakes, battery cart setups, etc. They also provide a good foundation for teaching others what works well in an FRC game.