Founder's Reception

Bedford, NH - Friday, January 3, 2020

There will be a reception on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at WestWind, the home of Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST. This event is by invitation only and we ask that all guests be post high school adults, ages 18 years or older.

Two adult mentors may attend the event on behalf of your team. We ask that all attendees have graduated from high school; current high school students will not be admitted. Please consider sending a team member who has not attended in previous years or a team sponsor. An official confirmation will be sent via email to those who RSVP through the Team Registration System.

This is a private home and event, so we ask that you please use common sense, good manners and Gracious Professionalism® during your visit. Please refrain from using cameras, video cameras, or other recording devices. We also ask that guests not touch or handle items that are on display. Please be sure that all food and beverages remain in the designated food-service area. Your cooperation at this event is very much appreciated.

We continue to create a focused event with limited invitees, in order to allow participants a better opportunity to meet and speak with others. We hope our Veterans and strongest Advocates will welcome our Rookies into the FIRST family by sharing their experiences and best practices.

Notes for those attending the event:

  • Business Casual attire
  • Food & Non-alcoholic beverages provided
  • Shoe covers will be provided at the door, in the case of inclement weather
  • Prior to the event, an email will be sent to registered attendees containing additional information about the Founder's Reception.

 

FIRST Room Blocks

FIRST has secured the following hotel room blocks for the 2020 FIRST Robotics Competition Founders/Kickoff Events.

Please note room blocks are reserved Thursday, January 2, 2020 or Friday, January 3, 2020, through Saturday, January 4, 2020. Any dates outside these parameters will not qualify under the FIRST Room Block.

The DoubleTree Manchester Downtown – Manchester, NH

FIRST has secured 22 sleeping rooms for 1/3/2020 and 22 for 1/4/2020.

  1. Guests may call the hotel front desk and reference “FIRST - Founders” at (603) 625-1000,
  2. Or book ONLINE here.

The group rate of $132.00 plus 9% tax is only available until December 19, 2019. After this date, availability cannot be guaranteed. For parking in the attached parking garage, the discounted rate is $12.00 per vehicle, per night for overnight guests and will be charged directly to the guest room. 

Hilton Garden Inn – Manchester, NH

FIRST has secured 20 sleeping rooms for 1/2/2020, 25 for 1/3/2020 and 20 for 1/4/2020.

  1. Guests may call the hotel front desk at (603) 669-2222 to make reservations and reference group code FIRST,
  2. Or book ONLINE here.

The group rate of $149.00 plus 9% tax is only available until December 19, 2019. After this date, availability cannot be guaranteed. Airport Shuttle Services must be called in advance. Shuttle request must call hotel directly at (603) 669-2222.             

Transportation to the Founder's Reception

Information about parking will be available later this year.

For More Information

Please contact FIRST Team Support at 800-871-8326 ext. 0 for general questions, or email firstroboticscompetition@firstinspires.org.

Kickoff Details!

Celebrate FIRST® RISESM, powered by Star Wars: Force for Change, with limited-edition apparel and accessories featuring your favorite droids.

Gear up for Kickoff

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