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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.

Type: FRC clear filter
Saturday, August 8
 

10:15am EDT

Strategies for Season Build Process - It’s not my robot, why should I care? - Increasing engineering ownership through the introduction of integrated product teams
Saturday August 8, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
Join Dr. Andrew Koch, Lead Coach of 836 Robobees, for a case study of a team restructured from traditional skill-based subteams (mechanical, programming, media) into mission-aligned product teams responsible for specific robot mechanisms — game piece acquisition, scoring, handling, end-game, and frame and electrical. Covers the methods used to realign the team, the cultural and engagement benefits, problems the new structure solved, and the problems that remain. Aimed at mentors looking for team structures that broaden ownership beyond the handful of students who typically self-manage across silos.
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Koch

Andrew Koch

Lead Coach / Engineer, FRC836 / NAWCAD
Dr. Andrew Koch is an engineer and scientist with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, working as a project lead for the Joint Simulation Environment. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Mary's College of Maryland and his Master of Aeronautical Science... Read More →
Saturday August 8, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
Grand Ballroom B (275) FRC 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

1:30pm EDT

FRC Judging - How FRC judges evaluate teams, straight answers on transparency and consistency, and how to prep students for interviews and award submissions.
Part of a three-session series demystifying the judging process, this installment focuses on FRC. Covers how judges evaluate teams, addresses transparency and consistency concerns directly, and gives mentors insight to better prepare students for interviews and award submissions.

Come learn about the FRC Judging process and what happens in the room.  We will spend roughly 30% of the time sharing what goes on outside of the public eye & providing resources to help you better prepare for talking with the Judges and ~70% of the time answering all of your burning questions.  No question is off the table (though some might not get the full answer you were hoping for)
Speakers
JB

Jessi Brown

Sr. Automation Engineer and FRC JA, Merck
Saturday August 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Grand Ballroom B (275) FRC 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
 
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