| The VEX Robotics World Championship, the world’s largest robotics competition, will take over America’s Center Convention Complex this month. Created by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, the 10-day 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. Hosting the VEX Robotics World Championship is a powerful opportunity to showcase the St. Louis region’s expanding technology and innovation ecosystem. As the event inspires students through hands-on STEM experiences, it underscores St. Louis as a rising hub for global gatherings that celebrate creativity, education and the future of technology. Learn more here. The competition, including opening and closing ceremonies, is open to the public. Media interested in covering the VEX Robotics World Championship can contact Catherine Neville or Rachel Huffman. We’re happy to facilitate media passes and student interviews. What: VEX Robotics World Championship When: April 21 to 30, 2026 Where: America’s Center Convention Complex, 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101 Visual opportunities: In addition to high-energy competition action, there will be three opening and closing ceremonies – one for each age group – that offer great visual opportunities for photo and video coverage. The opening ceremony features a parade of nations, with each team carrying its flag and wearing team apparel as they enter the competition space. The closing ceremonies feature the final round of competitions, with the world champion team crowned at the apex of the event, followed by the reveal of the robot that teams will build and compete with the following year. High school: Opening ceremony on April 21 from 1 to 2pm; closing ceremony on April 24 from 4 to 7pm Middle school: Opening ceremony on April 25 from 1 to 2pm; closing ceremony on April 27 from 4 to 7pm Elementary school: Opening ceremony on April 28 from 1 to 2pm; closing ceremony on April 30 from 3 to 5pm Local student spotlights: We can connect you with two outstanding teams from the Troy School District, each with a distinct story to tell. The Engineering Barbies, an all-girls team, spotlights the strength and growing presence of young women in STEM. Error 404 Team Not Found, a first-year team competing without an established IQ program at their school, includes four students from diverse backgrounds who have quickly found their stride through hands-on competition. The team also includes a student with mobility challenges who is fully integrated and thriving, offering a powerful story of inclusion, confidence-building and belonging. Additional story angles: The world in St. Louis: Competitors from almost all 50 states and more than 60 countries, along with their families and coaches, will convene in St. Louis, forming a vibrant showcase of culture, innovation and collaboration. Regional impact: The event will drive business to local hotels, restaurants, attractions and small businesses, boosting foot traffic and visibility across downtown St. Louis while showcasing the region’s convention infrastructure, hospitality industry and visitor experience. Community engagement: More than 2,000 volunteers are needed to support the event, giving community members the opportunity to be part of the action while helping welcome visitors from around the world. Shifts are three to five hours, and no robotics experience is required. Those interested can learn more about volunteer opportunities here and sign up here. |
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