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.
An overview of a new program area focused on keeping alumni connected and giving back to their FIRST roots. Covers communication strategy, identifying alumni skills that benefit teams, and how alumni can serve as mentors, donors, and ambassadors — positioned as one of the most underutilized resources in the FIRST community.
Want to help shape the future of FIRST in your region? We're looking for smart, passionate mentors like you to join advisory committees focused on programs, outreach, accessibility, and events. In this session, members of the FRC and FTC TACs will walk through what these committees actually do, why your voice matters, and how you can get involved. Whether you're a behind-the-scenes strategist or a community cheerleader, there's a seat at the table waiting for you.
All of our programs run on the dedicated labor of volunteers. Volunteers come from every facet of community, but the first and strongest engine of building that corps are the teams. Discuss with FCH and volunteer leaders how we can build a culture of volunteerism around your team, and keep the program strong at home!
A discussion of how to get and keep parents productively involved with a team — and how to manage parent culture when it becomes a source of negativity. Join other mentors to tackle the challenges to building a stronger team/family culture
