This conference is dedicated to empowering the mentors who are building the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers.
The FIRST Chesapeake Mentor Conference is a weekend event built to strengthen and sustain the people behind the robots. Designed for mentors and coaches across FLL, FTC, and FRC, this conference brings together practical workshops, technical deep dives, panel discussions, and real networking with peers who understand the work you do.
In 2026, we're expanding. While the conference remains rooted in the Chesapeake District, we're welcoming mentors and coaches from across the Southeast and beyond. Whether you're in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, or anywhere within driving distance, there's a seat for you.
Chesapeake District mentors attend free thanks to underwriting from Aramco Americas, out-of-district mentors welcome at a modest registration fee, scholarships available.
Call for Speakers
We're building the 2026 agenda with input from the community.
Whether you're a veteran mentor with a session idea, an industry professional who wants to share expertise, or a first-year coach with a fresh perspective, we want to hear from you.
Agenda
Full session details will be published when the agenda is finalized. Help shape it:
Saturday, August 8 | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Opening keynote, four blocks of concurrent breakout sessions, networking lunch, and closing plenary. 30-minute networking breaks between every session. 36+ sessions across FLL, FTC, FRC, technical, fundraising, team management, curriculum, and outreach tracks.
Sunday, August 9 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Two blocks of 75-minute deep dive sessions, followed by a closing session. 12+ focused working sessions for mentors who want to go deeper. 15-minute breaks between blocks.
Venue
The 2026 Mentor Conference moves to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. With a Grand Ballroom seating 400, the Highlands Room for 300, and 10 additional breakout and workshop spaces, JMU gives us the room to run 9 concurrent sessions while keeping the conference intimate and accessible. Harrisonburg sits in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, within easy driving distance of the DC metro, Richmond, Roanoke, and points south into North Carolina and beyond.
Festival Conference & Student Center
1301 Carrier Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Sponsors & Partners
