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Orlando, Florida

December 18th - 20th, 2023

HYATT REGENCY ORLANDO

Join us in Orlando, FL from December 18th -20th 2023 for Florida’s first-ever Fun In the Sun Signature Event! Compete for a chance to land a spot at the 2024 VEX Worlds Competition. The Hyatt Regency Orlando will host the event, and you can stay onsite to enjoy the property and its surroundings. With 60 teams from Middle School and 60 teams from Elementary School, this competition is going to be one of the best yet! 

SCHEDULE 
OF
EVENTS

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 DAY #1  

Monday December 18

3PM                  Doors Open         

3PM - 5PM        Check-In & Inspection

3PM - 7PM        Skills Fields Open (closed during opening ceremony)

5:30PM - 6PM   Opening Ceremony and Drivers’ Meeting 

7PM                  Doors Close

 DAY #2  

Tuesday December 19

8AM                  Doors Open         

8AM - 12PM      Skills Fields Open

9AM - 12PM      Qualifying Matches Begin (4 Matches)

12PM - 1PM      Lunch 

1PM - 2PM        Skills Fields Open

1PM - 4PM        Qualifying Matches Continue (4 Matches)

4PM                  Doors Close

 DAY #3  

Wednesday December 20

8AM                     Doors Open

9AM - 10:30PM    Qualifying Matches Continue (2 Matches)

11AM - 11:30AM  Finals Matches

11:30AM - 12PM  Awards & Closing Ceremony

1PM                     Doors Close

*Schedule is Subject To Change Without Notice

Guest Speaker (opening ceremony)
 

Retired Staff Sgt. of the U.S. Army Reserves, Paul Jacobsen

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In a world increasingly dominated by technology, Paul stands as a beacon of perpetual learning and adaptability. With over three decades of experience in the technology and computer industry, he brings an extraordinary blend of expertise, vision, and hands-on experience to any discussion. A retired Staff Sgt. of the U.S. Army Reserves, Paul specialized as a Wire Systems Equipment Repairer and a Special Electronic Devices Repairer, among other roles. These roles not only honed his skills but instilled him with a sense of discipline and commitment that he carries into his professional endeavors.

For the last 15 years, Paul has carved a niche for himself in the software development landscape. Notably, he has spent the past six years excelling as a Product Manager for a Pharmacy Management Software company. As a leading voice, he's been captivating audiences at his company's customer user conferences since 2012, while also skillfully moderating senior leadership team meetings. Beyond the podium and the boardroom, Paul extends his expertise through webinars and tradeshows, focusing on the very product lines he manages.

But don't mistake Paul for just another tech-savvy professional; he's a man of eclectic talents and layered interests. As a hobbyist magician, he specializes in sleight-of-hand tricks that could leave even the most skeptical viewers questioning their perception. When he's not working his magic, he's likely immersed in the great outdoors, finding both solace and inspiration amidst untamed landscapes. And should you ever hear the complex rhythms and melodies of bluegrass banjo wafting through the air, it's a good bet that it's Paul's fingers skillfully dancing across the strings.

At Florida's first VEX IQ signature event, he'll delve into themes close to his heart: "Technology and Never Stop Learning." Casual yet profound, Paul will invite you to look at technology not just as a tool, but as a lifelong companion in the quest for knowledge and growth.

So, whether you're a robotics enthusiast or a budding technologist, prepare to be captivated, educated, and perhaps even a little entertained. Paul is not just a speaker; he's an experience.

Retired Staff Sgt. of the U.S. Army Reserves, Paul Jacobsen

OUR
SPONSORS

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Field Sponsor(s)

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In-Kind Sponsor(s)

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To request a sponsorship form, send an email to: funinthesun2023@yahoo.com

Registration is NOW open!
You can only register through your account at RobotEvents.com

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Speakers

MEET 
THE 
TEAM

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Daniel Dilocker

East Ridge Middle School

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Rebecca Gibson

Virginia Schoenthaler

Cypress Ridge Elementary

ATEF LLC

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Anthony Ritter 

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Timothy Bunnell

Pinecrest Lakes Academy

Pinecrest Lakes Academy

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THINGS TO
DO IN
ORLANDO

The area is a family friendly paradise! In less than an hour, you can walk on the beach,  visit one of many parks and springs, attend a dinner theater, explore a theme park or an arcade, or rent a bike or scooter.  Check out  www.visitorlando.com  for some ideas.

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It's Your Universe. Come Play In It.

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It’s time to kick down the gates and let loose with all your favorite people. Your next Universal group trip is about to open up all kinds of awesome in all the best ways. Universal Orlando Resort’s three theme parks, hotels, plus all the entertainment across our entire destination are yours to enjoy, explore and experience some crazy special times that none of us will ever forget.

 

Whether it’s a school bus full of students, an athletic team, church group or other youth organization, there is a ticket option to help your group enjoy all Universal Orlando Resort has to offer.

Step Right Into the Greatest Adventures Ever Imagined

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Embark on an epic journey through the worlds of mighty heroes, ancient myths and timeless legends, where once in a lifetime thrills wait around every corner

The Action Of The Biggest Movies and TV Shows Come To Life

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Imagine being in your favorite TV shows and movies in real life, except you also get to enjoy the ultimate ride y things, from thrill filled twists and turns to jaw dropping moments you’ll talk about forever.

Fun In The Sun Robotics
has a special ticket price just for you!
(Almost 1/2 price)

To order your tickets, Send an email to: funinthesun2023@yahoo.com 

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Other Options

LODGING

The room rates at the Hyatt Regency Orlando  are discounted as low as ~$169

so please be sure to utilize this fantastic opportunity for the whole family!

Rooms are limited at this special rate. Room block reservations will open soon!

Nearest Airports

  • Orlando International Airport 12 miles

  • Orlando/Sanford 37 miles

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