The Global Robotics and Science Foundation Event Partners provide teams with opportunities to learn, compete, and grow through official VEX Robotics events, creating positive experiences for students, coaches, families, and volunteers. This article explains how individuals and organizations can begin hosting official events and become an Event Partner.
Whether you are hosting your first event or expanding an existing robotics community, your Program Support Manager works alongside you throughout the process, from creating your account to planning your first event.
The Foundation provides Event Partners with a range of resources to help them succeed, including certification programs, training materials, remote and in-person support, and Event Partner discounts. Together, these help Event Partners create high-quality events and build sustainable robotics communities.
Definitions of the terms used here are maintained in the central glossary.
Your Event Partner Journey
Becoming an Event Partner begins with a conversation.
Express Your Interest
Contact your Program Support Manager and let them know you are interested in hosting events. Your Program Support Manager will help answer questions and discuss opportunities within your community. If you are not sure who your Program Support Manager is, email eventpartners@globalrobotics.com.
Create an Account
If you do not already have one, create an account at events.vex.com.
Receive Event Partner Access
Once your account has been created, notify your Program Support Manager, and they will assign Event Partner permissions to your account. After Event Partner permissions have been granted, an Admin tab appears in the upper right-hand corner of your dashboard, providing access to the tools used to create and manage events.
Prepare for Success
Event Partners are expected to:
- Follow the Event Qualification Guide and Guide to Judging.
- Follow the Student-Centered Policy and Code of Conduct.
- Create safe, welcoming, and positive competition environments where teams can compete, learn, and grow.
- Communicate clearly with teams, coaches, and volunteers.
- Complete Event Partner training and certification resources when available.
- Work collaboratively with their Program Support Manager throughout the season.
- Contribute to the growth and sustainability of their local robotics community.
- Understand that official events must be reviewed and approved before becoming visible to teams.
Before You Host Your First Event
Before hosting an official event, work with your Program Support Manager to discuss:
- The type of event you would like to host.
- The program and grade levels you plan to support.
- Venue readiness and available equipment.
- Volunteer needs, including Head Referee and Judge Advisor roles.
- Event timelines, registration dates, and payment expectations.
- Qualification and advancement opportunities.
Official events that meet the requirements outlined in the Event Qualification Guide are qualifying events. Program Support Managers work closely with Event Partners to help ensure events are structured appropriately and provide the best possible experience for teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous experience to become an Event Partner?
No. New Event Partners are encouraged to work closely with their Program Support Manager and take advantage of available training and support resources.
Who can become an Event Partner?
Schools, nonprofit organizations, booster clubs, businesses, community groups, and individuals interested in supporting robotics education may become Event Partners.
How do I receive Event Partner permissions?
After creating an account in events.vex.com, your Program Support Manager can assign Event Partner permissions to your account.
How do I know if I have Event Partner access?
Once permissions have been assigned, an Admin tab appears in the upper right-hand corner of your dashboard.
Will my event be a qualifying event?
Official events that meet the requirements outlined in the Event Qualification Guide are qualifying events. Your Program Support Manager will work with you throughout the planning process to help ensure your event meets those requirements and is positioned for success.
Do I have to do everything on my own?
No. Program Support Managers, certification resources, training materials, and support tools are available to help Event Partners throughout the season. Event Partners are never expected to navigate the process alone.
Contact Support
If you need additional assistance, contact the Global Robotics & Science Foundation Support Team.