Welcome to GEARED UP 2026: Mentor Conference! Join us at James Madison University’s Festival Conference & Student Center in Harrisonburg, VA, for two days of learning, connection, and community.
You power 10,000+ students across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. This day is built for YOU. Whether you’re a rookie coach launching your first team or a 20-year veteran looking for fresh ideas, you’ll find sessions, workshops, and conversations designed to sharpen your skills and recharge your passion.
Proudly presented by Aramco Americas. See you in Harrisonburg.
“Embracing the Kaizen” shows how small, daily improvements can transform a FIRST team. Kaizen means continuous, incremental growth—focusing on getting a little better every day. Leon Pryor has used this approach to build strong teams from minimal resources, turning consistent small wins in design, culture, and process into major long-term success.
Leon Pryor is the co-founder and President of the Motor City Alliance and Lead Coach of FRC Team 8280 (K9.0 Robotics), based at The School at Marygrove in Detroit. In just four years, he built K9.0 into a Michigan State Championship Division winner and guided the team to the FIRST Champion... Read More →
