Invention Convention U.S. Nationals
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about Invention Convention U.S. Nationals? Look here!
Registration
When does registration open and close?
What if I can’t finish my registration at one time or need to make changes?
What if I forget my password?
How do I know when my registration is complete?
What is included in my student registration?
All finalists will receive:
· Official Raytheon Technologies Invention Convention U.S. Nationals 2023 T-shirt
· Certificate of participation
· Fun swag bag with goodies
· Access to the Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 9
· All meals during the event
· Transportation to and from The Henry Ford and local hotels during the event
· Annual Family Membership with Rides to The Henry Ford (membership allows unlimited visits for inventors and their families for one calendar year)
What sizes do the U.S. Nationals T-shirts come in?
Team Registration
Can we participate as a team?
How does a team register?
What if a whole team is unable to attend the in-person competition at The Henry Ford?
Uploading Required Materials to the U.S. Nationals Registration System
Do I have to submit a picture of my display board to compete?
Do I have to submit my logbook/journal to compete at U.S. Nationals?
How do I include my video presentation in my event registration?
Payment During Registration
What does the Raytheon Technologies Invention Convention U.S. Nationals competition cost?
How do I pay for registration?
At the end of the registration form, payment may be made via credit or debit card.
Note: All payments must be made by May 11, 2023.
What if a third party (school or sponsor) is paying for my student to attend?
Travel and Lodging
Can an inventor travel alone to the competition?
How do I reserve a hotel room?
What is offered at each hotel?
Can we stay at a different hotel?
How early in the week can we arrive?
What is the best way to transport my invention/display board to The Henry Ford?
How will I get to The Henry Ford from my hotel?
If I am leaving right after the Award Ceremony on Friday, June 9 where can I store my luggage?
The Nationals Event: What to Expect
How can one compete at the event?
What should I bring to the event to make it successful?
All inventors need to have (for their judging circle):
· Logbook
· Display board
· Prototype (if needed)
· And a smile!
What time do I need to arrive on Wednesday?
What is a parent/guardian’s role at Nationals?
Is orientation mandatory?
Can teachers/educators attend the event?
Where can I find a schedule of events?
Where are the meals?
Will registration be open on Thursday?
What is there to do at The Henry Ford?
What should I wear for the event?
Judging and Presentation Components
What should I wear for the video presentation?
What if our team can’t all be together to film our presentation video?
Can I use a script to talk about my invention?
Will I be judged online and in person?
When will each inventor be judged?
Are parents allowed to be present for judging?
I took part in Invention Convention U.S. Nationals last year; can I improve my invention and resubmit it?
Can I use a script during my judging session at the in-person event?
I do not have a prototype; can I still compete?
How much space do we have to display our inventions?
Will I have access to power/electricity?
Will I have access to water?
Will I have access to refrigeration if needed?
When can I set up and break down my invention?
Do I need to take my invention when I leave each night?
The Awards Ceremony
When does the Awards Ceremony take place?
Who can attend the Awards Ceremony?
Do we need to stay for the Awards Ceremony?
How can my friends and family watch the Awards Ceremony remotely?
Educators and Other Attendee Registration
How do I attend Invention Convention U.S. Nationals as an educator or chaperone?
Anyone beyond an inventor’s family who would like to participate in Invention Convention U.S. Nationals can register to attend. You could be an educator, advisor, or school administrator that have students who are competing or a non-family member chaperone who is overseeing a team of students.
Register here and complete the registration form and pay the registration cost of $360.