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Frequently Asked Questions

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When is the conference?


The VEX Robotics Educators Conference will take place from Monday, April 27th – Wednesday, April 29th, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. 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). Monday, April 27th – Wednesday, April 29th, 2026. Registration opens at 8:00 AM, with Keynote Presentations kicking off each day at 9:00 AM.

How can I register for the conference?


There are two options for conference registration:

  • VEX 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: Non-members can purchase a Standalone Conference Pass for $499 and activate it through their PD+ account.

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+ All-Access, and unlimited access to over 400 videos in the PD+ Video Library. All-Access members also gain exclusive access to VEX Masterclasses, 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?


Engage with thought-provoking keynotes, hands-on workshops across the VEX Continuum, and personalized 1-on-1 sessions tailored to your needs. Take advantage of networking opportunities and exclusive exclusive access to the VEX Robotics World Championship. Build meaningful connections with colleagues, students, and industry leaders while discovering what's new in robotics and STEM education.

Are all keynotes and presentations 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?


This article outlines potential US Federal funding sources for a PD+ subscription as well as links to resources to help with writing a grant proposal. Additional support in identifying funding can be found in this article.

Can I present at the VEX Robotics Educators Conference?


Yes! We invite you to submit a proposal for the 2026 VEX Robotics Educators Conference. A call for presenters will be available in your PD+ Dashboard, shared on VEX Robotics social media channels, and sent via email in 2026.

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.

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.

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, PD+ All-Access 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.

This article covers many of the offerings in PD+.

Have more questions about PD+? Check out this list of PD+ FAQs.

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.

How can I register for a 1-on-1 Session if 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.

Where do I park if I am driving?


America’s Center is located in downtown St. Louis at 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101. More information on directions and parking can be found here. A downtown parking map (including nearby garages and lots) can be found here.

  • Parking is available in garages and surface lots throughout downtown St. Louis (rates vary by facility and event).
  • The downtown parking map includes nearby options such as the 7th Street Garage (601 Locust St.) and 10th & Pine (913 Pine St.).

What are the hotel options?


To explore hotels near the conference venue, please visit the Location and Travel Page.

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 by VEX Robotics.

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