Competition Parent Meeting Recap – Winona & Iowa Regionals

Good afternoon,

Thanks to everyone who attended the Competition Parent Meeting! Here’s a recap for our upcoming regionals.

Registration Forms (Required)

STIMS Registration

Still needed from: Amy, Daniel, Evan, Jerry, Nathan, Sonya

STIMS Link

Liability & Media Release

Still needed from: Amy, Evan, Nathan

Liability & Release Link

Regional 1 – Winona, MN

Hotel: Plaza Hotel & Suites – Sold out for the competition. We are on a waitlist to get 2 more rooms from another team once their rooming list is confirmed. If you previously talked with me about staying in the team block, your rooms are reserved

Venue: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Dates: Wed, Mar 4 – Sat, Mar 7 (Return around midnight)

Departure: 3:30 PM Wed, students without band conflicts arrive by 3:00 PM

Parking: Free

Regional 2 – Cedar Falls, IA

Hotel: Spark by Hilton Cedar Falls – Rooms currently available

Venue: UNI-Dome / McLeod Center

Dates: Thu, Mar 26 – Sat, Mar 28

Departure: Lab at 6:15 AM Thu

Return: Anticipated at Coralville Buffalo Wild Wings around 8 PM for dinner, then back to the lab to unload (~10 PM)

Parking: Cash only; venues are cashless inside

Spectators & Live Updates

• Both competitions are free and open to the public

• Families encouraged to attend and cheer (Get fan shirts here!)

• Events will be live-streamed for parents who want to follow along

• The Blue Alliance will have the competition schedule posted

• Updates will also be sent via Discord and email

Transportation

• Mentors/parents will transport students (personal vehicles, rental van, pickup with trailer)

• Students normally driving to practice should be dropped off/picked up for regionals

  
  

Meals

Breakfast: Hotel daily

Lunch: Boxed (Drive Team) or packed/UNI Dining Center

Dinner:

• Wed (Winona): nearby restaurant

• Thur: Team social/nearby restaurant

• Fri: Pizza Ranch

• Sat: Buffalo Wild Wings

Families: Welcome to join dinners or the UNI Dining Center

• Dining Center $11/person, pre-order available through team until 3/8

Regional Costs

• Winona: $250 (due 2/26)

• Iowa: $200 (due 3/19)

Includes hotel, transportation, meals. Checks payable to Iowa City Robotics or PayPal links sent out separately

FIRST Leadership Award (formerly Dean's List)

Congrats to Ben M and Calder, Team 167’s 2026 FIRST Leadership Award representatives!

The FIRST Leadership Award recognizes outstanding 10th and 11th-grade students for leadership, dedication, and contributions to their team and community.

• Finalist interviews will be held at the Iowa Regional

What to Pack

• Backpack + 1 small duffle/suitcase

• Competition polos and team shirts, closed-toed shoes, 3–4 days clothes, winter gear, school-appropriate attire

• Special interviews: professional attire (Impact Award Team and Leadership Award)

• Essentials: meds, toiletries, hair ties, spending money

• Optional: laptop, water bottle, swimsuit, board games, snacks

Safety & Expectations

• All coaches, mentors, and event volunteers have been Youth Protection screened and background checked

• Safety glasses required in pits

• Students represent team, school, community; no bullying

• Always use the buddy system, do not leave venue without an adult

• Keep students home if ill

Communication

• Coach Contacts:

  • Madison Livermore: 319-431-6239

  • Michael Livermore: 630-414-3503

  • Mike Pownell: 319-430-6560

• Past emails: iowacityrobotics.org/blog (Password: Here4theCORN)

Reach out with any questions. Only 2 more weeks until competitions!

Thanks,

Madison Livermore

Iowa City Robotics