Event & Houston Info | FIRST Championship

Event Guide & Schedule

The 2023 FIRST^® Championship presented by BAE Systems Event Guide is your downloadable, printable guide to our event at the George R. Brown Convention Center, including notable happenings, safety information and event logistics.

Download Event Guide (Last Updated 4/20)

Download Schedule Overview and Map

The 2023 FIRST Championship mobile app, sponsored by Bechtel, makes it easy to access all FIRST Championship information such as teams, maps, exhibitor information, and detailed schedules. Download the FIRST Championship App.

Event Registration

FIRST requires every FIRST Championship attendee to be registered and badged, including adult team mentors, youth team members, parents, family members, chaperones, etc. who are participating in the event. Event registration grants access to participant-only activities and increases the security of the event.

FIRST teams (coaches, mentors, students, chaperones, parents, and family members/siblings) should use the team link above to register and follow instructions and link below for hotel accommodations. This should be completed by the coach or team’s main contact. Interested volunteers can learn more about how to register on the Volunteer page.

Spectators attending the event and not part of the team as described above should use the “Spectator” registration.

Media Registration

We welcome professional media and communications individuals to the FIRST^® Championship presented by BAE Systems.

Hotel Accommodations

FIRST is proud to partner with housing & travel experts, ConferenceDirect to bring you more than 30 FIRST-reviewed hotel locations for teams, volunteers, and all attendees to choose from during the 2023 FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas.

Housing for the 2023 FIRST Championship is now open!

Find Team Rooms

*For hotel information outside of teams, please use your email confirmation which is received once you are registered.

Make your FIRST event experience more memorable and affordable. We've negotiated hotel and travel discounts available exclusively for the FIRST community. Through our housing experts at ConferenceDirect, we provide you 24/7 access to full hotel descriptions, real-time availability, amenities, and other details allowing you to book quickly and confidently.

Stay close to the venue and other teams.

Rest easy at FIRST-reviewed hotels.

Receive guaranteed low-rates at FIRST-reviewed hotels.

Gain flexibility to make booking adjustments and pay later.

Get reservation protection and assistance before, during, and after your stay if any unexpected challenges occur.

Enjoy convenient FIRST-contracted amenities at most hotels including complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.

Housing: Frequently Asked Questions

Why book with FIRST?

Your support and dedication make FIRST events possible. When you’re choosing your events this season, book your housing with FIRST so you can:

Receive guaranteed low-rates
Rest easy at FIRST-reviewed hotels
Stay close to venue and other teams
Enjoy convenient FIRST-contracted amenities at most hotels including complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast
Gain flexibility to make booking adjustments and pay later
Get reservation protection and assistance before, during, and after your stay if any unexpected challenges occur
Earn reward points at your preferred hotels

Who is the Official Housing Provider for FIRST Championship?

We are proud to partner with ConferenceDirect as the only approved Official Housing Provider for the 2023 FIRST Championship event.

FIRST and ConferenceDirect work to ensure that we have a variety of price points, quality products, and amenities all situated in a prime location to ensure that we meet the needs and desires of 2023 FIRST Championship attendees and exhibitors. Only ConferenceDirect, the Event’s contracted Official Housing Company is authorized to use any likeness of the Event, claim partnership with and allowed to book within the Event Official Hotel Block. Reservations made through any company other than ConferenceDirect, are at your own risk. If you are contacted by anyone other than ConferenceDirect, please notify the hotels@firstinspires.org immediately. Do not provide any personal or financial information to another housing vendor claiming to have rooms for the Event. Only FIRST and ConferenceDirect will contact your team regarding housing for the 2023 FIRST Championship.

When does FIRST Championship housing open?

Housing booking for participating teams and all attendees of the 2023 FIRST Championship will open soon and be available until April 10.

I am a volunteer. Where do I book my housing for FIRST Championship?

All FIRST Championship volunteers will receive an individual link to book their housing and registration within a few days after your event role has been assigned. Explore available volunteer roles for FIRST Championship.

How do I modify or cancel my FIRST Championship housing?

For FIRST Championship event housing, please email FIRSTTeams@conferencedirect.com or call (844) 460-9823 (toll free) or (704) 751-4155 (international).

Can I still earn hotel loyalty rewards points if I book with FIRST?

Yes! You can usually accrue points for your stay if you belong to your hotel’s frequent guest program. Include your membership number in the "Frequent Travel Number" field when submitting your online hotel request, contact the hotel directly to add your program number or ask the front desk to add your number upon check-in.

How do I get from the hotel to the event venue?

Please contact the hotel directly for shuttle options or recommended local ground transportation for your event.

For additional questions, please contact us at hotels@firstinspires.org.

Houston Welcomes All

Houston, our gracious host city, is excited to welcome a record 45,000 people from around the world who will join us for the ultimate celebration of STEM and innovation. In 2022, the City of Houston hosted the largest FIRST Championship event to date, with 36,000 attendees from more than 50 countries. We’re thrilled at the prospect of the 2023 FIRST Championship being an even bigger celebration, focused on providing a welcoming and fun space for the FIRST community to gather and celebrate our season.

Did you know?

Houston is the most diverse city in the United States, with at least 145 languages spoken by its residents
Houston has the largest LGBTQ+ population in Texas. Read about 7 LGBTQ+-Owned Dining Experiences to try in Houston.
Houston was the first major city in the country to elect an openly gay mayor
There are 161 human rights organizations in the greater Houston area
Houston is home to the second largest concentration of Fortune 1000 companies in the U.S., behind New York City
Houston has a young population, with its largest population segment the ~22% of residents aged 5 to 19
With over 90 nations represented, Houston is home to the third-largest consular corps in the U.S.

Learn more about Houston including travel guides, food, and special discounts:

Watch Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner welcome the FIRST community back to the city for last year’s 2022 FIRST Championship in a video message: