This article outlines what a Spotlight Event is, the awards and qualification opportunities tied to Spotlight Event status, and the application and registration process Event Partners must follow. It is written for Event Partners applying to host a Spotlight Event.
Definitions of the terms used here are maintained in the central glossary.
What Is a Spotlight Event
VEX Robotics Competition Spotlight Events are high-quality competitions that offer teams an elevated experience beyond a standard local event. Spotlight Events may feature unique themes, larger venues, expanded activities, or other special elements that make the event stand out while still meeting all Global Robotics competition requirements.
Spotlight Events are offered in two tiers. A Regional Spotlight Event draws from a single Region. A Multi-Region Spotlight Event draws from multiple Regions and carries a higher minimum team count.
Some Spotlight Events may eventually develop into Signature Events, but advancement is not required or guaranteed.
Awards
Any award that qualifies a team for a Championship Event must include a trophy.
Any award that qualifies a team for the VEX Robotics World Championship must include both a banner and a trophy.
Awards must be presented using the official award names and criteria.
All artwork needs to be approved in advance. Email branding@globalrobotics.org for approval.
Required Awards: VEX V5, VEX IQ
The following awards are required:
- Excellence Award
- Tournament Champions or Teamwork Champions
- Design Award
- Robot Skills Champion
- Judges Award
Awards should only be presented when a team meets the official judging criteria.
Required Awards: VEX U
The following awards are required:
- Excellence Award
- Tournament Champions
- Design Award
- Robot Skills Champion
- Judges Award
The Event Partner may offer additional approved awards when appropriate, provided all required awards are included and sufficient judging resources are available.
Schedule
To submit an application, go to the Spotlight Event Application.
August 1, 2026: Application Open – Event Partners may begin submitting applications. Applications should include the proposed location, dates, programs, Levels, estimated capacity, venue information, and preliminary event structure.
November 1, 2026: Application Deadline – Applications should include confirmed venue information, dates, event capacity, staffing plans, field plans, registration fees, preliminary schedules, and other required documentation.
November 13, 2026: Events Posted – Approved events must be posted on events.vex.com by this date. Event listings should be complete and ready for public review, including registration details, pricing, policies, schedules, venue information, and team communications.
Applications are reviewed and approved by the Program Support Team.
Registration Schedule
Priority Registration
Regional Spotlight Event – Priority Registration opens as soon as the event opens and runs until 8 weeks before the event.
Multi-Region Spotlight Event – Priority Registration runs for 2 weeks, beginning when registration opens.
Standard Registration
Standard Registration opens 14 weeks before the event. At that time, registration should become available to all otherwise eligible teams, subject to event capacity, organization limits, regional limits, and the published waitlist process.
Qualification
Spotlight Events fall into two tiers of qualification, reflecting their smaller scale relative to Signature Events:
- Regional Spotlight Event — Provides qualification spots to a Championship Event, giving teams a pathway to advance locally.
- Multi-Region Spotlight Event — The Excellence Award at this event qualifies a team directly to the VEX Robotics World Championship. Multi-Region Spotlight Events do not award qualification to a Championship Event.
Event Eligibility
Regional and Multi-Region Spotlight Events must be open to all eligible teams within the applicable program and Level.
Compliance
Events must meet all published requirements in the Event Qualifying Criteria, the Spotlight Event standards articles, and other applicable Global Robotics and VEX Robotics policies.
Events that do not meet published requirements may lose some or all qualification spots. Continued noncompliance may result in loss of Spotlight Event designation. Global Robotics may approve exceptions in special regional circumstances.
Double qualification will be handled according to the Event Qualifying Criteria. Event Partners may not independently reassign qualification spots.