The 2024 FIRST Mentor Conference (FMC) in San Jose, California was a sold out event in August that brought together mentors from across the globe to share knowledge, build connections, and inspire one another.
A Gathering of Minds
Hosted at Google, the FMC attracted 400 participants from over 170 teams, spanning 28 states and 5 countries and provided a unique opportunity for these individuals to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and successes.
A Variety of Sessions
Throughout the weekend, attendees had the chance to participate in 60 sessions designed to provide valuable insights and practical skills. These sessions included:
- 41 Workshops: Hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences.
- 10 Panels: Expert discussions on various topics related to mentoring and robotics.
- 6 Roundtable Discussions: Collaborative conversations allowing for the exchange of ideas and strategies.
- 3 Keynote Speeches: Inspirational talks from FIRST leaders and veteran mentors.
Diverse Perspectives, Insights and Resources
One of the standout features of the 2024 FMC was the diversity among its presenters. With 64 presenters representing 28 different teams and 9 organizations, the conference showcased a wide range of perspectives and expertise.
Presenters shared 33 resources throughout the conference, providing attendees with tools and materials to enhance their mentoring practices. These resources ranged from technical guides and best practices to templates for team management and fundraising. The collaborative environment fostered meaningful discussions and encouraged mentors to adopt new strategies and approaches.
“You really need to experience it to get it. I’ve been attending and presenting at smaller FRC conferences for my entire FRC career, and nothing had the energy or atmosphere of the FIRST mentor conference. The diversity and engagement of the attendees was incredible.” – Adam Heard from Team 581 (California)
“It was an amazing event and truly impactful on me personally and I believe on many many others who were attendants. The impact goes beyond the presentations and conversations that were held there. I truly believe these kinds of events are going to be the backbone of us growing stronger mentors across FIRST.” – Norm Morgan, 2024 Woodie Flowers winner and mentor on Team 2468 (Texas)
- Building Stronger Teams: Throughout the conference, sessions focused on team development and management, offering practical advice for building cohesive and successful teams. From recruitment strategies to conflict resolution techniques, mentors picked up ideas to help them build positive and productive teams..
- Enhancing Technical Skills: Technical workshops provided hands-on learning experiences, allowing mentors to deepen their knowledge of robotics and engineering principles. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, from advanced programming techniques to mechanical design, making sure mentors are ready to support their teams..
- Encouraging Inclusion and Diversity: The FMC highlighted the importance of promoting inclusion and diversity within the FIRST community. Sessions focused on strategies for creating inclusive team environments and encouraging participation from underrepresented groups. By creating a respectful and inclusive environment, mentors can help make sure every student has a chance to succeed.
- Fostering Innovation: Innovation is at the heart of the FIRST mission, and the FMC provided numerous opportunities for mentors to explore new ideas and approaches. Workshops and discussions encouraged creative problem-solving and experimentation, helping mentors inspire their teams to think outside the box.
- Strengtheing Connections: The conference also served as a platform for building and strengthening connections between mentors. Attendees had the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and form lasting relationships. These connections will be invaluable as mentors continue to support one another and work towards common goals.
Lab Crawls Delight
The Lab Crawls were a hit with local teams opening their build space and providing sweets, offering tours and sharing their experiences with the 2024 FMC attendees.
Stay tuned for FMC 2025
As we look forward to FMC 2025, mentors and members of the FIRST community are invited to join in for another inspiring and impactful event.
