Get Familiar with Your 2026 FIRST Championship Housing Program Resources

Can you believe it? The 2026 FIRST^® Championship presented by BAE Systems is less than six months away (but who’s counting)! At this time, we’re getting ready to open the housing block for qualified FIRST teams.  

In October, we announced that we are again partnering with ConferenceDirect as the official and only FIRST-approved housing provider for the 2026 FIRST Championship. This means that all teams competing will be required to source housing from ConferenceDirect in order to participate. Together, we are building resources to help teams successfully choose and book their hotel accommodations, including (but not limited to): 

• Hotel Map: This interactive map shows the locations of more than 175 hotels in the event block and directions to the George R. Brown Convention Center. 

• Hotel Grid: A detailed grid showing hotel pricing, amenities, and location for each hotel. 

• FAQ Document: Additional information for teams and answers to attendees’ most commonly asked questions. 

• Budget Planning Tool: an estimation tool to assist with hotel budget planning. 
• A New Four Step Booking Process: 

 STEP 1 – Getting Started 

• Once your team is eligible, you’ll receive an email from FIRSTteams@conferencedirect.com. 

• Provide your team details (some fields will already be autofilled). 

• After submitting, you’ll get a confirmation email with a link to select your hotel. 

STEP 2 – Select Your Hotel & Room Block

• Use the link in your confirmation email. 

• Enter your email address to validate and access the Team Room Block site. 

• Enter your room needs, view live hotel availability, and secure your block. 

• You’ll receive an email with your block details and booking instructions. 

STEP 3 – Book Your Rooms (Important!) 

• Securing a block does not complete your booking, you must still reserve rooms. 

• You have 2 weeks from your initial email to select a hotel and book rooms. 

• Booking options include: 

• Custom URL (self-service) 

• Sub-block Dashboard (self-service) 

• Room List Template (with Housing Team support) 

STEP 4 – Badge Registration 

• After your rooms are booked, you’ll receive a separate email invitation for badge registration. 

• Follow instructions to register your team for badges. 
• Note: Housing and badge registration are separate processes for the 2026 FIRST Championship. The badge registration link will not be sent until the housing process has been completed. 
   

Additional resources can be found on the FIRST Championship Housing Information page.