ST. LOUIS — Downtown will host an international student robotics convention beginning next year, an event officials said will draw thousands of visitors to the region.
The Vex Robotics World Championship hosts students in grades 4-12 and college, and aims to foster an interest in STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics, careers.
America’s Center will host the competition in 2026 and 2027. Officials with Explore St. Louis, the tourism board, which operates the convention center, estimate the event will generate more than $32 million in economic impact.
“This global gathering is not only an incredible showcase of innovation and creativity, but a powerful opportunity to introduce St. Louis to a new generation of tech-savvy students and their families,” Brad Dean, president and CEO of Explore St. Louis, said in a statement. “Hosting this event elevates our city’s brand as a destination that celebrates science, education and the future of work.”
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The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, which organizes the competition, said more than 2,400 teams from around the world are expected at this year’s event in Dallas later this month.
The Dallas Sports Commission estimated up to 100,000 people attended last year’s event, an Explore St. Louis spokesperson said.
St. Louis hosted another robotics contest, First Robotics Competition, for several years before that organization moved it to another city beginning in 2017.
