March 19. 2026 Update: If you’re interested in attending, please complete this form to join the waitlist. Additional invitations will be sent out as spots become available.
2026 RECF Drone Competition Summit
The 2026 Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) Drone Competition Summit will take place on July 12th-13th, 2026, with a check-in reception on July 11th at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
Note: This Summit is for RECF Drone Competitions and in a different building than the RECF Summit for RECF Robotics Programs.
This Summit will feature general sessions and separate breakout sessions for Coaches and Event Partners, with a range of training and discussion topics. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations. Plus, attendees can earn Professional Development credit for participating.
- Specialized sessions tailored for both coaches and event partners
- Engaging discussions on best practices and future innovations
- A chance to connect, learn, and grow within the Aerial Drone Competition community
- No registration fee, just cover your travel and lodging!
Important Notes:
- Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. A reserved hotel room block is available at the Drury Hotel Hotel St. Louis at the Arch. Attendees can use our designated hotel block to take advantage of convenient accommodations and discounted rates.
- Please make your reservations by Wednesday, May 27, 2026 to receive the block rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rates and availability.
- Attendees that stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch will enjoy a complimentary breakfast and the hotel’s “Kickback”, which includes free hot food, cold beverages, beer, wine and mixed drinks from 5:30-7:00pm. The complimentary breakfasts and Kickback will not be available to attendees that opt to stay at a different location, but they will still be included in the lunches and dinner.
- Lunch will be provided on both July 12 and 13, along with dinner on July 12. On the evening of July 13, dinner will not be provided, giving attendees the opportunity to explore St. Louis and enjoy the local dining scene individually or in groups.
Interested in Joining us? Let us know by Saturday March 7th
- Capacity is limited to 60 attendees and interest surveys are due by Saturday March 7th.
- Those selected to attend will be notified by April 1st.
- We will make a concerted effort to have representation from as many different event regions as possible. Because of that, the number of attendees selected from each event region may be limited.
- Complete this Interest form.
Questions? Reach out to your Regional Support Manager.
Agenda for RECF Drone Competition Summit
(The Agenda is for Central Daylight Time and will be finalized closer to the event.)
Day 1 - July 11, 2026
| Start Time | End Time | Session |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 | 7:00PM | Summit Check-in, “Kickback” Reception (Drury guests) and Q&As with RECF Drone Support Managers. |
Day 2 - July 12, 2026
| 8:30AM | 9:15AM | Welcome |
| 9:15AM | 10:45AM | TBD |
| 11:00AM | 12:00PM | TBD |
| 12:00PM | 12:45PM | Lunch / Q&A |
| 1:00PM | 1:50PM | Breakout Sessions - Block 1 |
| 2:00PM | 2:50PM | Breakout Sessions - Block 2 |
| 3:00PM | 5:00PM | Round Table Discussions |
| 5:00PM | 5:15PM | Closing Reflections |
| 5:30 PM | 7:00PM | “Kickback” Reception at Hotel (optional, for Drury guests) |
| 6:15PM | 8:00PM | Dinner / Networking / Q&A |
Day 3 - July 13, 2026
| 8:30AM | 9:15AM | Welcome / Q&A |
| 9:30AM | 10:20AM | Breakout Sessions - Block 3 |
| 10:30AM | 12:00PM | Breakout Sessions - Block 4 (90 minutes) |
| 12:10PM | 1:00PM | Lunch / Q&A |
| 1:00PM | 2:30PM | Breakout Sessions - Block 5 (90 minutes) |
| 2:40PM | 3:30PM | Breakout Sessions - Block 6 |
| 3:40PM | 4:30PM | Breakout Sessions - Block 7 |
| 4:40PM | 5:30PM | Closing Session / Q&A / Hot Topics |
| 5:30PM | 7:00PM | “Kickback” Reception at Hotel (optional, for Drury guests) |
| Dinner - on your own | ||
General Session Topics for RECF Drone Competition Summit
Engage in lively discussions on topics that impact everyone in our community. These sessions are designed to keep you informed, inspired, and connected as we head into the new season.
These sessions are a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and gain valuable insights no matter your role.
Breakout Session Topics for RECF Drone Competition Summit
We will offer sessions tailored specifically for Coaches, Event Partners, and some that are relevant to all attendees. No matter your role, you're welcome to join any session that interests you. Most sessions will be offered multiple times, giving you the flexibility to attend as many as you'd like.
We especially encourage Coaches considering hosting events to attend Event Partner sessions for valuable insights, and Event Partners to join Coach sessions to better support team development in their regions.
Please note: Topics are subject to change and will be finalized as the event approaches.
| Session | Main Room | “Technology” Classroom | “Drone” Classroom |
| Block 1 (Tuesday) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Block 2 (Tuesday) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Block 3 (Wednesday) | TBD |
TBD
|
TBD |
|
Block 4 (Wednesday) (90 minutes) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
| TBD | |||
| Block 5 (Wednesday) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Block 6 (Wednesday) | TBD | TBD |
TBD |
| Block 7 (Wednesday) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Breakout Session Descriptions
Coming Soon