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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: FTC clear filter
Saturday, August 8
 

1:30pm EDT

From Kitbot to Machine Shop - When custom parts beat off-the-shelf, what they make possible, and how FTC 20194 JackBots built machining into their design process.
Saturday August 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Grand Ballroom C (220) FTC @ 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
The Kitbot is a great way to start for any team, but it does not have to be the end! Join mentors from FTC 20194 JackBots see how one team developed their build and design process from out-of-the-box to a custom ride!
Speakers
avatar for Alicen Adkins
Saturday August 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Grand Ballroom C (220) FTC 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
  FTC, Panel

2:45pm EDT

Vision and Autonomous That Actually Work - Vision systems, autonomous routines, and AprilTags for both FTC and FRC, grounded in real hardware with Qualcomm.
Saturday August 8, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom B (275) FRC @ 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
A presentation and demo on vision systems, autonomous routines, and AprilTag use cases, deliberately framed for both FRC and FTC audiences. Covers what actually works on the field — not just what is theoretically possible — with industry sponsor participation to ground the content in real hardware.
Speakers
avatar for Joey Kerns

Joey Kerns

Educational Specialist, Robotics & Engineering | Coach, Fairfax County Public Schools | FRC 614

avatar for Alicen Adkins
Sponsors
avatar for Qualcomm

Qualcomm

Engineering human progress.

Qualcomm relentlessly innovates transforming businesses, enriching lives and fortifying societies. Our solutions are pivotal in crafting a smarter, interconnected world. Building on our nearly 40-year history of era-defining technology breakthroughs, we deliver leading-edge AI, high... Read More →
Saturday August 8, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom B (275) FRC 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
  FTC, Panel |   FRC, Panel

4:00pm EDT

GEARED UP FTC / STEM HUBS in Your Neck of the Woods - Connecting with FCH parternships and STEM Hubs in your area.
Saturday August 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Conf Room 2 (35) Curriculum @ 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Information on FCH partnership with regional FTC and STEM Hub initiatives, including what resources are available in different parts of the district and how teams can plug in.
Speakers
avatar for Shelly Stoddard

Shelly Stoddard

Vice President, FIRST Chesapeake

Saturday August 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Conf Room 2 (35) Curriculum 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
  FTC, Panel
 
Sunday, August 9
 

9:00am EDT

FTC Resource Roundup - Tools abound to make a sucessfull team. Dig deep!
Sunday August 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom C (220) FTC @ 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
There are all sorts of resources and opportunities out there for new and returning mentors - but where are they? Join Shelly as we break down where the good stuff is hidden, from FTC SIM's game simulation to the Geared Up mentor program and beyond!
Speakers
avatar for Shelly Stoddard

Shelly Stoddard

Vice President, FIRST Chesapeake

Sunday August 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom C (220) FTC 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
  FTC, Panel

9:00am EDT

(OFFSITE) PRIMER ON SHOP TOOLS AT X LAB (ADAM + ELISE) Primer on Shop Tools at X LAB
Sunday August 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom A (400) @ 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
An offsite hands-on session at the JMU XLabs university maker space: tool use training, shop safety protocols, and practical experience with equipment most teams cannot access locally. Unique to this conference; capacity is limited by the host facility's safety requirements.
Sunday August 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom A (400) 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
  FTC, Panel |   FRC, Panel

11:00am EDT

(OFFSITE) PRIMER ON SHOP TOOLS AT X LAB (ADAM + ELISE) Primer on Shop Tools at X LAB
Sunday August 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom A (400) @ 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
An offsite hands-on session at the JMU XLabs university maker space (extended block): tool use training, shop safety protocols, and practical experience with equipment most teams cannot access locally. Capacity is limited by the host facility's safety requirements.
Sunday August 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom A (400) 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
  FTC, Panel |   FRC, Panel
 
GEARED UP Mentor Conference
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Saturday, August 8
Sunday, August 9
Allegheny Room (80) Technical
Bar + Arcade
Board Dining (40) Team Management
Conf Room 2 (35) Curriculum
Conf Room 3 (35) Outreach
Conf Room 4 (40) Access & Advocacy
Conf Room 7 (165) Fundraising & Planning
Festival Drum (Expo Hall + Demos)
Grand Ballroom A (400)
Grand Ballroom B (275) FRC
Grand Ballroom C (220) FTC
Highlands Room (300) FLL
  • Access & Advocacy
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