HOUSTON (January 28, 2026) – Houston First Corporation is proud to announce that FIRST®, the world’s leading youth robotics community, has selected Houston to host its largest annual competition through 2034. The FIRST Championship draws more than 50,000 attendees each year with an economic impact of approximately $74 million.
The George R. Brown Convention Center has hosted FIRST Championship seven times starting in 2017, with the most recent event taking place in April 2025. Following a 19-month bidding process, Houston beat out three other cities to secure the new seven-year commitment which will start in 2028. The deal will generate a total economic impact of more than $500 million over the contract period.
“I’m pleased that this international competition focused on education and the opportunities available to the next generation has committed to Houston,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “This opportunity will not only create tremendous value for Houston’s hospitality industry over the next decade, but it will also foster excitement for the types of jobs that will drive our city’s economic future.”
The largest youth-serving organization of its kind, FIRST delivers hands-on STEM learning that inspires innovation, builds confidence, and prepares kids for a successful future – whatever their path may be. Promoting the importance of STEM education is particularly critical in Houston, given the region’s industry makeup and its future workforce needs. Officials say this makes the partnership between Houston and FIRST even more valuable.
Chris Moore, CEO of FIRST, shared his excitement about the decision to keep the competition here, adding that the planned expansion of the convention center with the new GRB South building was another major selling point, allowing the event to grow into the next decade.
“The added capacity will allow us to enhance the FIRST Championship experience for all attendees,” explained Moore. “We will be able to better accommodate our growing community and create new opportunities for them to showcase their FIRST-learned skills and innovations on an even larger stage. The city of Houston has been an invaluable partner in delivering an extraordinary event experience, and we are proud to continue this relationship.”
Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation, the destination marketing organization that books conventions and major events in Houston, said securing a multi-year deal with FIRST illustrates the desirability of Houston and the convention center for major events. He also emphasized this is the first example of a major piece of business that Houston has booked due in part to the $1 billion expansion of the GRB.
“We are proud of the relationship our team has developed with FIRST in recent years and very excited to see this competition continue to grow in Houston,” Heckman said. “When we set out to transform the GRB, securing impactful opportunities like this is exactly what we had in mind. The addition of the GRB South building will allow mega events like the annual FIRST Championship to expand their footprint while at other times we’ll be able to layer or stack multiple pieces of business at one time, maximizing the efficiency of the building and creating more value for our hotels and other hospitality stakeholders.”
Data compiled by the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), the regional economic development organization, shows there are nearly 50,000 engineers employed in the metro area, one of the highest concentrations in the nation. Another 47,000 area professionals work in biotechnology and life sciences research and more than 44,000 in aerospace and aviation.
Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said those figures illustrate the importance of STEM-related education to Houston’s economic future. “We need to encourage today’s young people to explore these professions, and it’s organizations like FIRST that are on the front lines of that effort,” Kean said.
FIRST and GHP are now collaborating on connections with local businesses to help bridge the gap between early STEM education and future career opportunities.
About Houston First Corporation
Houston First Corporation (HFC) is a local government corporation and the destination marketing organization for the country's fourth largest city. In addition to serving as operator for the George R. Brown Convention Center and some of Houston's most prominent art, entertainment, and event venues, HFC is focused on promoting the city's vibrancy and rich tapestry of culture. By harnessing the city's collective energy, ambition, and creativity, including its diverse culinary scene, world-renowned performing arts, medical and space innovation, and elite filming locations, HFC is solidifying Houston as a premier national and global destination. For the latest news and info regarding HFC, visit www.houstonfirst.com
About FIRST ®
FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future. FIRST provides life-changing, team-based K-12 robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, donors, and sponsors, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.
An international not-for-profit organization founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Participants and alumni of FIRST programs gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. Learn more at firstinspires.org.
Contacts:
For Houston First
Laura Jones
DPWPR
LJones@dpwpr.com
713-298-8908 (cell)
For FIRST
Haley Dunn
Senior Manager, Communications
hdunn@firstinspires.org
603.666.3906 x 494
