Game Changer Conference 2024-25 highlights

We recently wrapped up our Game Changer Conference at the National Robotarium in Edinburgh! The Game Changer Conference is our annual opportunity to train our A-Team Game Changers in their volunteer roles and prep our Champion Organisation Ambassadors ahead of our busy event season. It was just as much about upskilling them for our biggest season yet as it was about celebrating their contributions so far! From inspirational talks to hands-on workshops, and some exciting robot guests, there was something for everyone. 

What really stands out when we come together with our A-Team volunteers and Champion Org Ambassadors is the incredible role they each play in making our programme a reality. Whether they’re running robot matches, leading the way for teams or helping us get the word out there, they’re the powerhouses of the challenge. 

Let’s dive into the highlights and celebrate the amazing people who make it all possible! 

Ed Cervantes-Watson, CEO of FIRST UK, kicked off the day with an interesting interview with an impressive robot – shame it’s outside the size regulations for INTO THE DEEP! Check it out below.

Ameca is a humanoid robot developed by Engineered Arts. Their facial expressions are incredibly realistic and they offer great conversation, from what their ideal lunch would be to how FIRST Tech Challenge UK helps fill the STEM skills gap. 

Currently, there is only one Ameca in the UK, with their office in the National Robotarium. Our Game Changers and Champion Org Ambassadors also had the chance to interact with them. Trust us, everyone’s reactions were picture-worthy!

Inspiring stories from the community

“My biggest highlight was getting the opportunity to hear first-hand the positive and inspiring backstories of not only Justine, Emma and Joel but others who shared their journeys of how they got involved with FIRST Tech Challenge UK. The day only helped fuel and ignite my own passions to do as much as I possibly can to spread the word about FIRST Tech Challenge UK to those who, for whatever reason, haven’t heard of the initiative.”

Hector McFarlane, Senior Computer Operator, Travis Perkins Group plc

“Going through the field-side roles was super helpful prep for next year’s event! Andy did a great job in the field-side training! He answered all my (many) questions really well. I feel prepared to be Head Ref for next year’s tournaments.”

Emma Swan, Optical Engineer, Oxford Instruments Andor

Our Game Changers and Champ Org Ambassadors

Bringing our Amazing-Team community together

“Andy and Craig’s double act for the field-side technical training was superb. They bounced off each other really well and demystified the game manual with real-life examples. Liza’s session was really engaging and well-thought-out with loads of tangible takeaways. The quiz went down a treat with the more competitive bunch of the group! The talks from Justine, Emma and Joel were inspiring – so passionate and transformative. I loved hearing their unique stories.

I have to mention the games night too. Craig took his rightful place as Head Ref during our curling matches to keep the scores accurate. As the resident broom sweeper and wild card team member, my curling teams were the best hype people in the world. Go teams red and yellow!”

Patrice John-Baptiste, Head of Impact and Engagement, FIRST UK

“When I was speaking to the Champion Org Ambassadors, I was asking about their story of impact. Vicki Price from Greenhill School shared some amazing stories about the young people involved in her team, and how the challenge has brought together different members of the school community and given them somewhere to belong, find their place and flourish through robotics. It was a beautiful account of students we don’t always hear about. The way she spoke about the students she’s engaging is what it’s all about.”

Vicky Harrold, Head of Operations, FIRST UK

“My highlight from the Game Changer Conference was seeing the Champion Org Ambassadors be so focused and open in their afternoon session. It was a rare opportunity for them all to be in the same space, and it was clear how much they got out of it, brainstorming ways to strengthen their hub and sharing ideas.”

Kayla Simpson-George, Programme Officer and Hub Coordinator for South East and South West, FIRST UK

“I loved seeing everyone come together from all over the UK and get to know each other better. I enjoyed speaking to our volunteers and Champion Organisation Ambassadors too.”

Mi Tang, Operations Officer, FIRST UK

“I really enjoyed hearing how passionate everyone is about the challenge and the different experiences everyone has had with the programme. The videos that Team VNATION produced for the judges’ training were really useful and it looked like they had fun making their good and not-so-good versions of a team presentation.”

Vicki Mileson, Comms & Content Officer, FIRST UK

We couldn’t have done it without you!

A massive thank you goes to Andy Batey, Craig Hamilton, Liza Masson and Muktar Ali for leading eye-opening training sessions. We know how much preparation went into each and every one of them. Thank you to our game-changing speakers Justine Ehimen, P4F Robotics, Emma Swan and Joel Tomy. We loved hearing about your relationship to the challenge and how you make an impact. And of course, thanks to The National Robotarium for hosting us!

Couldn’t make it but want to get trained up? The recordings from the training sessions will be available soon. Keep an eye out!

Inspired to become a Game Changer? Register to volunteer this season and help us build More Than Robots!