Frequently Asked Questions
Colonel Jo is here to help!
When is the conference?
The VEX Robotics Educators Conference will take place from Wednesday, May 7th to Friday, May 9th, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. This unique event coincides with the VEX Robotics World Championship—the world’s largest robotics competition!
What are the Hours of the Conference
The full conference schedule can be found here (coming soon). Wednesday, May 7th – Friday, May 9th, 2025: Registration opens at 8:00 AM, with Keynote Presentations kicking off each day at 9:00 AM.
Where Can I Find Details About Where to Stay?
Visit Team Travel Source for VEX Robotics for hotel options and accommodations.
How Can I Register for the Conference?
There are two options for conference registration:
- PD+ All-Access: As a PD+ All-Access member, you can register directly from your PD+ Dashboard. Simply select “Conference” from the left-hand menu or click on the Conference Banner in the center.
-
Standalone Conference Pass:
- Early Bird Price: $399 (Dec. 1 – Feb. 28, 2025)
- Standard Price: $499 (March 1 – May 1, 2025)
What is the Difference Between PD+ All-Access Registration and Standalone Conference Pass?
-
PD+ All-Access:
Includes free conference registration, a full year of VEX PD+ membership, and unlimited access to over 400 videos in the PD+ Video Library. All-Access members also gain exclusive access to certification courses, 1-on-1 sessions, and the Professional Learning Community (PLC) for year-round collaboration with peers and VEX experts.
- Access to Keynotes and Presentations: After the conference, keynotes and presentations will be available in the PD+ Video Library, allowing All-Access members to re-watch or catch up on any sessions they missed.
- Standalone Conference Pass: Provides full access to all conference events. However, post-conference access to recorded keynotes and presentations in the PD+ Video Library is not included with this pass.
What Can I Expect by Attending the Conference?
Attendees will enjoy thought-provoking keynotes and presentations, hands-on workshops across the VEX Continuum, and personalized 1-on-1 sessions. Networking opportunities abound, along with exclusive VIP access to the VEX Robotics World Championship, where you can observe live competitions over three days. Connect with colleagues, students, and industry leaders while exploring the latest in robotics and STEM education.
Are All Presentations and Keynotes Open to Everyone?
Yes, all keynotes and presentations are open to all attendees. However, reservations are required for hands-on workshops, which are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Can I Differentiate Between Workshops, Keynotes, and Presentations?
- Workshops: Hands-on sessions designed to build practical skills and deepen your understanding within the VEX Continuum.
- Keynotes: Inspiring talks led by STEM leaders, delivering broad insights and fresh perspectives.
- Presentations: Practical sessions focused on sharing strategies, tools, and resources for effective robotics education.
Will I Receive Professional Development Credits for Attending the Conference?
Absolutely! Following the conference, you’ll receive a Certificate of Attendance in the “Certifications” section of your PD+ Dashboard, documenting 16 hours of professional development. Please confirm with your administration for credit eligibility.
Where Can I Find Information about Grants or Funding Opportunities?
The article linked here outlines potential US Federal funding sources for a VEX PD+ subscription as well as links to resources to help with writing a grant proposal. Additional information can be found at grants.vex.com.
Can I Present at the VEX Robotics Educators Conference?
Yes! We invite you to submit a proposal for the 2026 VEX Robotics Educators Conference. Information on the Call for Presenters will be available in your PD+ Dashboard, shared on VEX Robotics social media channels, and sent via email in 2025.
Will I Be Able to View the Presentations Post-Conference?
Yes! All keynotes and presentations will be recorded and available in the PD+ Video Library after the conference. Hands-on workshops, however, will not be recorded. To explore presentations from previous years, check out the PD+ Video Library anytime.
Who Should Attend the VEX Robotics Educators Conference?
Our conference is designed for educators and professionals, offering a unique platform to connect, learn, and grow alongside peers passionate about advancing STEM education through innovative practices. While this event is specifically tailored for educators and professionals, we extend an invitation to students to immerse themselves in the excitement and inspiration of VEX Worlds. Thank you for your understanding and support as each event is tailored to best serve its intended audience.
Do I Have to be a Robotics Educator to Attend the Conference?
Absolutely not! All types of educators can learn and be inspired at the conference. In previous years STEM Coordinators, administrators, regular education teachers, robotics coaches, and more have all attended.
Is There a Dress Code?
There’s no strict dress code—business casual is common, but above all, we want you to feel comfortable and confident. Wear what makes you feel both professional and relaxed so you can enjoy the experience without worry.
Is Lunch Provided?
Lunch is not included, but there are plenty of dining options available at the venue and nearby. We encourage you to explore these options with colleagues—it's a great chance to connect over a meal!
Is There a Virtual Option to Attend This Conference?
The conference is exclusively in-person. However, PD+ All-Access Members will have access to recorded presentations in the PD+ Video Library after the event.
What is VEX PD+?
VEX Professional Development Plus (PD+) offers both free and paid options for professional growth! With a free PD+ account, you’ll have access to introductory courses and limited access to the Professional Learning Community (PLC). For a complete experience, the PD+ All-Access membership includes certification courses, personalized 1-on-1 sessions, unlimited access to the extensive PD+ Video Library with over 400 resources, full access to the PLC, VEX Masterclasses, and more.
The article linked here covers many of the offerings in PD+.
Have more questions about PD+? Check out this list of PD+ FAQs.
How do I request a Visa and Invitation Letter
We are happy to provide visa and invitation letters. Please send your request to: [email protected] and include the following: Country of Residence, Full Name, DOB, Passport number and Passport Expiry Date.
How Can I Preview PD+ Offerings Without an All-Access Membership?
You can create a free PD+ account at pd.vex.com for access to intro courses and read-only access to the Professional Learning Community (PLC). Completing an Intro Course will grant you full access to the PLC for that platform.
Why Can I Only Register for 3 Hands-On Workshops?
To ensure all attendees have the opportunity to participate, each person is limited to three workshops. This policy fosters an inclusive experience for everyone.
Love workshops? With a PD+ All-Access membership, you can experience hands-on learning year-round! Book 1-on-1 sessions with VEX experts or attend a VEX Masterclass for even more in-depth, personalized support.
Do I Need to Bring Anything to the Conference?
For most sessions, all necessary materials will be provided. However, if you’re attending a VEXcode VR workshop, please bring your own device to participate fully.
How Can I Find Out Which Workshops I Registered For?
Once you are registered, you can view the Workshops you registered for on the Confirmation Page.
What if I Need to Change My Workshop Selection?
Once you are registered, you can modify the Workshops and Events you registered for on the Modify Workshops & Events Page.
I Wasn’t Able to Register for a 1-on-1 Session as They Are All Full.
If you’d like to be added to the cancellation list, please contact [email protected].
Are you a PD+ All-Access member? You can book a 1-on-1 session anytime directly from your PD+ Dashboard.
What is the VEX Robotics World Championship?
The VEX Robotics World Championship is the premier international competition for student robotics! Bringing together student-led teams from elementary to university levels, this event showcases the best in robotics design, strategic problem-solving, and engineering. It’s an inspiring celebration of innovation, teamwork, and creativity, with students from around the globe competing for the ultimate title in robotics.
How Do I Attend VEX Worlds?
- Early Arrivals: Pick up a wristband at Spectator Check-In in Lobby D for entry to the event halls and arena.
- Conference Day 1: Spectator wristbands for VEX Worlds will be distributed.
With your wristband, you can attend any part of the VEX Robotics World Championship competition throughout the conference—just head downstairs to the event halls whenever you’d like to catch the action! Additionally, we have exclusive VIP events for conference attendees that you can register for during your conference registration.
VEX Robotics World Championship dates are: May 6–May 14, 2025
Where Do I Park If I am Driving?
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas is located in downtown Dallas at 650 S. Griffin Street in Dallas, TX 75202. More information on transportation and parking can be found here. A parking map can be found here.
- KBHCC has a parking garage in the Convention Center and a surface lot nearby. The rates for the lots are $17 per car/per day, no re-entry. Must pay in advance.
- The rate for the KBHCC Parking Garage is $20 per day, no re-entry. Paying in advance online guarantees a spot, but you can also pay at the kiosk upon departure.
How Do I Request a Visa and Invitation Letter?
To request a visa and invitation letter, please email [email protected] with the following details:
- Country of Residence
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Passport Number
- Passport Expiry Date
- Dates of Travel
Please note that it is the attendee's responsibility to submit their own visa application.
Will My Email Address Be Shared With Third Parties?
Your email address will be used exclusively for communications related to the VEX Robotics Educators Conference. We assure you that your email will not be shared with third parties.
How Are Photos and Videos Used?
Photos and videos taken at the event may be used for promotional purposes.