VEX Robotics Competition Selects St. Louis as Host City for 2026 and 2027 World Championships

Event to bring over $32 million in economic impact to region

ST. LOUIS: The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) has announced that St. Louis will host the VEX Robotics World Championship in 2026 and 2027 at America’s Center Convention Complex. The international event will draw tens of thousands of student competitors, coaches and spectators from around the globe, generating more than $32 million in economic impact and more than 50,000 hotel room nights for the St. Louis region.

The VEX Robotics World Championship is the world’s largest robotics competition, inspiring students through hands-on STEM experiences and cultivating the next generation of innovators.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation and the VEX Robotics World Championship to St. Louis,” said Brad Dean, president and CEO of Explore St. Louis. “This global gathering is not only an incredible showcase of innovation and creativity, but a powerful opportunity to introduce St. Louis to a new generation of tech-savvy students and their families. Hosting this event elevates our city’s brand as a destination that celebrates science, education and the future of work.”

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, who joined Explore St. Louis in celebrating the announcement today, stated, “Landing the world’s largest robotics competition is a huge win for St. Louis, and especially for downtown. The VEX Robotics World Championship will bring millions in economic impact to our city, while giving us a chance to showcase all that St. Louis has to offer. I can’t wait to welcome these students, their families and the robots to St. Louis as we continue to build an exciting new chapter for our city.”

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page added, “St. Louis has a rich legacy of innovation, from aerospace to healthcare to advanced manufacturing. Hosting VEX Robotics strengthens that legacy by inspiring the next generation, creating new pathways for young people and connecting our community to a global movement in STEM education. We’re proud to support events that energize our economy, spark curiosity and strengthen the ties between education, business and opportunity in St Louis County.”

Ed Skapinok, chief commercial officer of Explore St. Louis, emphasized the broader economic and business impact. “Events like the VEX Robotics World Championship are a win on every level – they energize our hotels, restaurants and attractions while affirming St. Louis as a top-tier destination for international conventions. Explore St. Louis’ effort to secure the competition for two years will bring tens of thousands of visitors to the region each year, create jobs and inject millions into our economy.”

Hosting the VEX Robotics World Championship is a powerful opportunity to showcase the St. Louis region’s expanding tech and innovation ecosystem, and the event underscores St. Louis as a rising hub for global gatherings that celebrate creativity, education and the future of technology.

For more information about VEX Robotics and the RECF, visit vexrobotics.com and recf.org.

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About Explore St. Louis

Explore St. Louis is the driving force behind St. Louis’ $5.9 billion convention and tourism industry, the official destination marketing organization of St. Louis City and County, and operator of the America’s Center Convention Complex and The Dome. ExploreStLouis.com

About VEX Robotics

VEX Robotics is a leading provider of educational and competitive robotics products to schools, universities, and robotics teams all around the world. The VEX 123, GO, AIM, IQ, EXP, V5, CTE, and AIR product lines span from elementary school all the way through college with accessible, scalable, and flexible robotics solutions. Beyond science and engineering principles, a VEX Robotics project encourages teamwork, leadership, and problem solving among groups. It allows educators to easily customize projects to meet the level of students' abilities as they inspire and prepare the STEM problem-solvers of tomorrow.

About the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF)

The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is a global organization dedicated to increasing student engagement in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, curriculum-based robotics and drone programs. Through comprehensive programs encompassing competitions, education, and workforce readiness, the foundation empowers educators to inspire and equip students for success. The RECF strives to create a future where every student designs and innovates as part of a team, overcomes failure, perseveres, and emerges confident in their ability to meet global challenges. Through sustainable and affordable curriculum-based robotics programs, the RECF inspires students, one robot at a time.