SE/FMC 2026, ORL, FL
Oct 3 & 4
A two-day conference FRC and FTC mentors and volunteers - with a bonus Lab Crawl Friday the 2nd.
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About the Event
Pull up a chair, there's always room at the table in the South.
The Southern FIRST Mentor Conference (SE/FMC) is a two-day gathering built by mentors, for mentors — a place where the FRC and FTC community across the Southeast and beyond comes to share hard-won wisdom, build lasting connections, and leave genuinely fired up for the season ahead.
This is not a FIRST HQ event. This is our community showing up for each other.
Why You Don’t Want to Miss This Conference
Keynotes that will get you thinking
Hear from industry leaders including Qualcomm and Andy Baker of AndyMark and the 2003 Championship Woodie Flowers Award.
Friday Night Lab Crawl & Networking time, Oct 2nd
Go behind the scenes and visit three Central Florida FRC team build spaces. See how other teams are creating their own FIRST magic.
Saturday Night Mentor Social, sponsored by Sphero, Oct 3rd
Kick back, connect, swap stories, and enjoy some well-deserved time with the people who understand what it's like to be a FIRST mentor.
Nearly 30 Workshops & Panels
Saturday & Sunday - Technical. Strategic. Organizational. Creative. Sessions curated and led by your fellow mentors, bringing practical ideas and real-world experience you can take home to your team.
Mentoring: Your FIRST thrill ride.
Check out some of our 30 planned sessions & Event Schedule
Your $100 Ticket Includes:
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Access to all workshops and panels
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Friday night Lab Crawl
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Saturday night Mentor Social
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Commemorative conference T-shirt & swag
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Breakfast & lunch Saturday and Sunday
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Dedicated networking time with mentors from across the Southeast
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Access to the conference Slack community
This Experience Isn't Being Streamed: These workshops will not be taped or offered virtually. The conversations, connections, demonstrations, and hallway moments are part of the experience.
And if cost is a barrier, scholarship tickets may be available.
With 20+ hotels near the airport, getting here and staying nearby is easy.
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Come for the workshops. -
Stay for the people. -
Leave with something new for your team.
Mentors, buckle up. Your next FIRST adventure is waiting
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Qualcomm, Sphero, Walt Disney World, Stellantis, FRCtees and AndyMark
About the Event
Why Attend?
Great mentors aren't born — they're built. SE/FMC gives you two days away from the competition floor to breathe, reflect, and learn from some of the best minds in the FRC and FTC community. Whether you're brand new to mentoring or a seasoned veteran looking for fresh perspective, you'll find your people here.
- Learn from experienced mentors across multiple tracks — technical and non-technical
- Engage in honest, real-world conversations — no competition pressure, just community
- Walk away with practical tools, strategies, and ideas you can use immediately
- Build relationships with mentors from across the region and around the country.
Three Focuses
FRC Technical
Programming, mechanical, electrical, drivetrain strategy, build systems, and competition prep. Real solutions from teams who have been in the trenches.
FTC Technical
Designed specifically for FTC mentors — covering hardware, software, game strategy, and the unique challenges of building and competing in the FTC environment.
FIRST Team Management, Awards & More
The non-technical side of running a great team — and it's just as important as what happens in the build space. Sessions cover.
Who Should Attend?
SE/FMC is designed for post-high school FRC and FTC mentors at any stage of their journey — from first-year mentors finding their footing to veteran leaders looking to give back and grow.
This event is in-person only. No livestreaming. Just real conversations with real people.
What to Expect
- 2 Keynote speakers
- About 30 Workshops, & panel discussions
- Networking time with fellow mentors
- Optional evening social events — because Southern hospitality doesn't stop at 5pm
- There is an attendee Slack workspace for all registrants.
Conference Details
Cost: $100 per attendee
Includes breakfast & lunch both days, a commemorative event shirt, access to all of the workshops and panels, the Friday night Lab Crawl, and Saturday social.
A limited number of scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance to attend.
Tickets are non-refundable but transferable. See FAQ below for details.
Registration
Online registration to join us at the table! Now Open
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this event for?
SE/FMC is designed for adult mentors and potential mentors involved with FRC and FTC teams. Whether you are brand new to FIRST or have been mentoring for decades, there is something here for you. Students may not attend.
Where and when will this conference take place?
Saturday & Sunday - October 3 & 4, 2026
UF/IFAS Extension, Orange County
6021 S. Conway Rd, Orlando, FL 32812
Only four (4) mile from the Orlando International Airport!
Is there a deadline to register?
There is no deadline to register, however there is a max number of tickets we can sell due to space constraints. We have no idea when tickets will sell out, so purchase your ticket asap!
Do I have to be from the Southeast to attend?
Absolutely not! While we have a distinctly Southern spirit, mentors from across the country — and beyond — are warmly welcome. The more perspectives in the room, the better the conversations and the more we learn from each other.
Can I attend if I mentor an FTC team but not an FRC team?
Yes! SE/FMC proudly serves both FRC and FTC mentors. The FTC Technical track is built specifically with FTC teams in mind, and the Team Management track is highly applicable across both programs.
What is included in my registration fee?
Your registration covers attendance for both days, meals during the event, and a commemorative SE/FMC shirt.
What is the schedule for the conference?
A rough outline of the conference; will be posted here soon. Some specifics will only be found in the Slack Workspace.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. A limited number of scholarships are available for mentors who need financial assistance to attend. Contact us Wendy Austin at waustin@firstinspires.org for details and availability.
Can I transfer my ticket if I can no longer attend?
Yes — tickets are non-refundable but fully transferable. Simply contact us with the name and information of the person taking your spot before the event at southeasternfmc@gmail.com.
Can I present a session?
We would love to hear from you! SE/FMC is built on the expertise of the community. If you have knowledge, experience, or a perspective worth sharing, submit a session proposal. All skill levels and backgrounds are welcome — you don't have to be a veteran mentor to have something valuable to offer.
What if I'm a brand new mentor — will this be over my head?
Not at all. SE/FMC is one of the best places a new mentor can be. Sessions span all experience levels, and the community is genuinely welcoming and supportive. Many attendees to mentor conferences say it is exactly what they needed to find their footing.
Is this an official FIRST event?
SE/FMC is a volunteer-created and volunteer-run community event. It is not operated by or affiliated with FIRST HQ. We are simply passionate mentors who believe in investing in each other.
Will sessions be recorded or livestreamed?
No. SE/FMC is an in-person only experience. The magic of this event happens in the room — in the hallway conversations, the roundtables, and the connections made over meals. We believe that experience is worth showing up for.
What should I bring?
Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your willingness to share. A notebook never hurts or laptop if you prefer. Most importantly, bring an open mind — you never know which conversation will change how you mentor forever.