May 1-2, 2026 | Hilliard Center Exhibit Hall

Building Tomorrow’s Texas Workforce Through STEM Innovation

Calling all Texas K–12 teachers, STEM coordinators, administrators, and current or future robotics coaches! If you’re curious about bringing robotics to life in your classroom—or leveling up an existing program—this conference is for you.

Join us to explore how robotics can build real-world, 21st-century skills while supporting Texas workforce needs. You’ll discover TEKS-aligned robotics curriculum, helping your school make smart, intentional funding decisions. We’ll also break down grant opportunities from the REC Foundation that can provide long-term support for teams, teachers, and schools as education standards continue to evolve across Texas.

Conference Agenda Overview:

Day 1 – Full Day (Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)

8:30–9:00 AM: Registration & Networking Breakfast

9:00–10:00 AM: Opening Keynote
“Robotics as a Gateway to Texas’ Thriving STEM Economy“ – Julian Alvarez, Former Commissioner for Labor – Texas Workforce Commission

10:15 AM: Integrating Robotics into Core Curriculum (TEKS-aligned, grants & resources)

11:15 AM: Getting Started with Robotics & Drone Programs

12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch & Industry Panel “Bridging Classroom Robotics / Drones to Real-World Texas Careers”

1:15–2:45 PM: Featured Session
Empowering Women & Girls in STEM Through Robotics

3:00–5:00 PM: Hands-On Workshops

  • Elementary/Middle: VEX IQ Building & Programming
  • Middle/High: VEX V5 Robotics for Competition Prep & Advanced-Problem-Solving
  • High School: Aerial Drone Competition – Hands-On Drone sUAS Activities

5:00–5:30 PM: Day 1 Wrap-Up & Networking

Day 2 – Half Day (Saturday | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

8:00–9:00 AM: Networking & Exhibitor Visits

9:00–10:00 AM: Morning Keynote
“Scaling Robotics Education Statewide: Lessons from Texas Leaders” (Speaker TBD)

10:15–11:45 AM: Hands-On Workshops (Day 2 – Continued)

  • VEX IQ (Elementary/Middle)
  • VEX V5 (Middle/High)
  • Aerial Drone Competition (High School)

12:00–1:00 PM: Closing Session & Lunch Conference Reflections and Call to Action

Additional Features
  • Exhibitor area with VEX Robotics / RECF, TAME, T-STEM Coalition, Tesla and TWC, and industry partners
  • Professional Development (PD) certificates for attending educators
  • Focus on accessibility, grants, workforce pathways, and sustainability
  • Administrator networking and funding discussions