Founder's Reception

Bedford, NH - Friday, January 5, 2018

There will be a reception on Friday, January 5th, 2018 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 2018 FIRST Robotics Competition Founders/Kickoff Events.

Room Blocks are reserved Thursday, January 4, 2018 through Saturday, January 6, 2018 any dates outside these parameters will not qualify under the FIRST Room Block.

The Radisson – Manchester, NH

1) Call directly to the Reservations Department and reference “FIRST - Kickoff” at (603) 206-4109 OR​ you may call Radisson Worldwide Reservations at (800) 333-3333. 

2) Book ON-LINE at using the drop down menu under “More Search Options” and reference the PROMOTIONAL CODE:  KICK18

The group rate of $123.00 plus 9% tax is only available until December 7, 2017. After this date, availability cannot be guaranteed. If 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. Reservations can be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to arrival. After that, a minimum one night fee is charged.

Best Western – Manchester, NH

Guests may call the hotel front desk at (603) 627-2525 to make reservations. This is also the number to use when requesting an airport shuttle pick up on the day of arrival. Complimentary shuttle to and from Manchester airport is available 5:00AM to 11:00PM. 

Please reference Group Code:  “FIRST”

The group rate of $109.00-$129.00 plus 9% tax is only available until December 4, 2017. 

Hilton Garden Inn – Manchester, NH  

1) Guests may call the hotel front desk at (603) 669-2222 to make reservations. Airport Shuttle Services must be called in advance. Shuttle request must call hotel directly at (603) 669-2222.

2) Or book ON-LINE here.

Please reference Group Code:  FFK

The group rate of $139.00 plus 9% tax is only available until December 15, 2017.            

Transportation to the Founder's Reception

Please note - there will be no driving to, or parking at WestWind. Guests must park and use the shuttle service at McKelvie Middle School, 108 Liberty Hill Road, Bedford, NH.

Information about shuttle service coming soon!

Directions to McKelvie Middle School

From Manchester, NH; Everett Turnpike - Route 3; I-293; I-93.
Route 101 West to the Junction of 114 and 101 (set of lights).
Continue left on 101W (towards Bedford).
Turn left onto Nashua Road (light at intersection).
Take the first left (after ball field) onto County Road
Follow to end; McKelvie Middle School will be located diagonally across the street.
Parking is on the Right side of the school

Departure from WestWind

Buses from McKelvie School will run continuously to drop off reception guests leaving the Founder’s Reception. Coordinate your departure time from WestWind with your guests.

For More Information

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