Over 7000 middle school, high school and college students from 24 different countries traveled to Anaheim CA, along with their parents, friends and their robots to compete in the 2013 Vex Robotics Competition World Championship at the Anaheim Convention Center on April 17 - 20, 2013.
This event was a massive undertaking, led by the Robotics Education Competition Foundation who tapped INFINITY EVENTS inc as the event management company. Also attended by countries from as far as Jordon, Bahrain, Brazil, China and Japan, this three day event is literally the robotics and technological equivalent to the Olympic games complete with a Parade of Nations kicked off by Art Attack, A Live Speed Artist who created a live 10 minute speed painting of a robot as each country took the stage proudly carrying their nations flag.
On the first day of competition, thousands of hopeful competitors entered the convention center and stepped onto miles of red carpet that served as a roadway to each of the (9) competition divisions throughout the 500,000+ square feet of exhibit Halls A,B & C as well as the Anaheim Arena. Each division included large bleachers for the public to watch these battles take place. "This event is like managing a small city" mentioned Infinity Events owner, Robb Thornsberry.There was something happening every minute of every day. Infinity Events planned and managed over 70 different food functions, multiple main stage presentations and awards ceremonies in the Anaheim Arena, media coverage, speaker symposiums and receptions at the conclusion of each day. These receptions took place through out the Anaheim Convention Center, The Anaheim Marriott and The Anaheim Hilton.
On Friday evening, April 19, the highly anticipated reveal of the 2014 game for competitors eager to get a jump on next year's robot designs, included a towering, four sided Kabuki drop, dramatic lighting and pyrotechnics.
The festivities reached a crescendo on Saturday night, April 20 as over 15,000 people filled the Anaheim arena to watch the division champion alliances work together to defeat their competition in the Finals. Kicking-off the Finals, the final teams competing for the championship were lead into the arena by The UCLA Marching Band.
Participants were then entertained by Light Force who is the next generation of hi-tech drumming. This 8-person cast tours the country lighting up the stage with their energy, their talent, and their powerful performances. Playing custom made instruments combining LED lighting with built in drums, light sabre like drum sticks, and fire-wire light up jackets, this 3 1/2 minute performance rocked the audience all the way up to the surprise ending where the word "Robotics" was spelled out in lights on their drums.
At the conclusion of the finals, the newly crowned world champions in each category were photographed by media, coaches and families as pyrotechnics provided by Fireworks America showered a fountain of sparks behind the winners on stage.
The VEX Robotics World Championship is a gathering of top robotics teams from around the world to celebrate their accomplishments and compete with/against the best of the best which is managed by the Robotics Educational Competition Foundation.
QUICK, AT A GLANCE FACTS:
- 300 volunteers, 70 client staff members, 30 crew members and multiple VIP's, sponsors and executives
- IE produced arena main stage ceremonies and events including a parade of nations, - 2014 Game Reveal complete with pyro and a kabuki drop and closing ceremonies.
- Produced and coordinated 3 main stage performances including Art Attack Live Speed Painting, The UCLA Marching Band and Lightforce
