Founder's Reception

Bedford, NH - Friday, January 4, 2019

There will be a reception on Friday, January 4, 2019 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

Stay with FIRST logo FIRST Robotics Competition

FIRST has secured the following hotel room blocks for the 2019 FIRST Robotics Competition Founders/Kickoff Events.

Room Blocks are reserved Friday, January 4, 2019 through Saturday, January 5, 2019. Any dates outside these parameters will not qualify under the FIRST Room Block.

The DoubleTree Manchester Downtown – Manchester, NH

Number of rooms under the block on Friday, January 4: 20

Number of rooms under the block on Saturday, January 5: 3

  1. Call the Reservations Department directly and reference “FIRST - Kickoff” at (603) 625-1000.

The group rate of $127.00 plus 9% tax is only available until December 14, 2018. 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 canceled up to 48 hours prior to arrival. After that, a minimum one night fee is charged.

Hilton Garden Inn – Manchester, NH

Number of rooms under the block on January 4: 15

Number of rooms under the block on January 5: 15

  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 ONLINE here.

Please reference Group Code: FIRST

The group rate of $139.00 plus 9% tax is only available until December 14, 2018.           

 

Transportation to the Founder's Reception

Parking is available at the McKelvie School, 108 Liberty Hill Road, Bedford, NH, USA. 
Shuttle buses to/from WestWind and McKelvie will run continuously 5:45 – 9:00 pm.

For More Information

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