Hi ,

Here's some updates and news from FIRST^® Tech Challenge.

In this week's blast:

✅ Deadline approaching: Request for Proposals – Conferences at FIRST^® Championship presented by BAE Systems

🏠 2026 FIRST Championship Team Housing

👋 NEW: Connect with other teams and mentors

🤖 New UL Solutions Safety Trainings Available in the FIRST Training (Global)

🎱 Update: Future of FIRST Championship

Deadline approaching: Request for Proposals – Conferences at FIRST^® Championship presented by BAE Systems
FIRST^® is currently accepting proposals for conference sessions that will be running Wednesday, April 29 - Friday, May 1 at the 2026 FIRST Championship presented by BAE Systems. Students, mentors, educators, coaches, volunteers, staff, and sponsors are welcome to submit a proposal before our January 31 deadline. Presenters will be notified in late February if they have been selected. Apply now!   

If you have questions, please reach out to the Championship Conferences team. 

2026 FIRST Championship Team Housing
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the FIRST Championship remains as accessible and affordable as possible for all teams, FIRST is once again partnering with travel experts ConferenceDirect and more than 175 Houston-area hotels to secure the best possible block-rates and reserve sufficient inventory for event participants.    

All registered teams traveling to the 2026 FIRST Championship presented by BAE Systems will be required to book their housing accommodations within those designated hotel blocks.   

For booking questions, instructions, area maps, and hotel details, visit FIRST Championship Housing Information webpage.   

NEW: Connect with other teams and mentors
Connecting with other teams and mentors allows teams to collaborate on materials, building resources, game-play strategy, meaningful mentorship, and more. In addition to sharing a public-facing email address, teams can now indicate if they need support or can provide support on the Team Search. This new feature allows mentors, sponsors, and additional supporters to easily find and connect with local teams.  

Active FIRST teams can opt-in by updating their communication options on their Team Profile in their Dashboard.  

Once teams opt-in to sharing their email, they can display if they are in need of mentors or are willing to mentor another team. This information will be available for anyone to view on the team search, allowing teams and mentors to offer help or seek and find the help they need by reaching out to another team.  

New UL Solutions Safety Trainings Available in the FIRST Training (Global)
We’re excited to share that several new safety trainings provided by UL Solutions are now available in FIRST Training. These trainings are designed to help students, mentors, and volunteers recognize hazards and reinforce safe practices in workshops, pits, and event spaces. Topics include electrical hazards, personal protective equipment, lockout/tagout, safety data sheets, tool safety, and fire extinguisher awareness. We encourage teams and volunteers to review and complete any trainings relevant to their role. 

Update: Future of FIRST Championship
FIRST announced on Thursday, January 22, the extension of its partnership with Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, securing it as the venue the venue for FIRST Championship through 2034, promising an expanded and enhanced event experience. 

Read more about this decision on the FIRST Community Blog.