Diamond in the Desert Elementary/Middle School Blended Event

VEX IQ Robotics Competition, Blended ES/MS, Digital Notebooks

Our Sponsors

This event is closed to registration because:

It is past the registration deadline.

General Info

Diamond in the Desert

IQ Blended Event in Mesa, AZ

Get ready for sunshine and STEM at the largest Arizona VEX IQ tournament of the season!

Mix and Match is a premier VEX Robotics Tournament set against the breathtaking backdrop of the American Southwest. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, majestic mountain ranges, the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, and world-class golf resorts, this event offers more than competition—it’s an experience.

This winter break, 60 VEX teams will converge in Mesa for a day of elite robotics competition, immersive tech experiences, and unforgettable New Year’s celebrations. The Diamond in the Desert isn’t just a tournament—it’s a launchpad into 2026.

Event Highlights

Signature Event Prestige: Hosted alongside the Diamond in the Desert VRC Signature event, Mix and Match delivers elevated technical expertise, judging, and production value.
Next Step Atmosphere: Designed for ambitious students preparing for their next chapter (V5RC), this event blends STEM excellence with the vibrant energy of Arizona’s VRC scene.

Arizona State Championship Qualifying Spots

This event will offer VEX Robotics Arizona State Championship Qualification Spots to VIQRC Teams:

Hotel and Event Information

Check out The Delta Hotel, which is on-site at the Mesa Convention Center.Hotel Details

Code When Booking CODE DID

Zoo Light Order Form for 25 or More Tickets can be found in the Newsletter

First Newsletter Update https://secure.smore.com/n/n36gz

Grade Level: Elementary and Middle School

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: Remote Interviews & Notebooks

Grade Level: All

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: Remote Engineering Notebooks

Event Dates & Locations

Date: 29-Dec-2025

Venue/Location:

Mesa Convention Center
263 North Center Street
Mesa, Arizona 85201
United States

Contact the Event Partner

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Agenda

7:00 AM: Doors Open & Inspection Opens
8:00 AM: Inspection Paused for Opening Ceremony
8:05 AM: Opening Ceremony
9:05 AM – 9:30 AM Driver's Meeting
9:35AM – 9:55 AM: Inspection Resumes and Skills Open
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Qualifying Matches and Skills
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:Lunch
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Qualifying Matches and Skills
(Skills Close when the final Qualifying Match is played)
3:30 PM: Finals and Award Ceremony

Wednesday Dec 31

New Year's Eve Party: Family Fun:

https://diamondinthedesert.us/entertainment

$39.99 at the door. Ring in 2026 at Golfland! Enjoy a full night of fun in a family-friendly environment. Pay one price for unlimited access to all attractions! December 31st - 6pm-1am Unlimited video games, mini golf, bumper cars, laser tag and race cars.

Volunteer

Sign up to volunteer at the QCRF website: https://qcrf.org/volunteer

If you have any questions, contact Lori Ruff at [email protected]

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

As we are in Arizona, it is extremely unlikely the event will be cancelled due to weather. If an emergency occurs, we will notify everyone registered.

Refund and Payment Policies

If the Event Partner cancels the event:

Due to the high costs involved with this event, a refund will only be offered after all the event expenses have been paid.

If a Coach/Mentor completes registration for the event, then chooses to withdraw or not attend:

Payment is due at the time of registration unless a special arrangement has been made with the Event Partner. Teams that have registered but have not paid or submitted immediately, if registration is after 12.4, will be moved to the wait list unless the event partner is contacted and arrangements are made.

No Refunds for teams withdrawing after 12.1

Date: 29-Dec-2025

Mesa Convention Center
263 North Center Street
Mesa, Arizona 85201
United States

Travel Info

Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa - Book Here

Location & Appeal
Nestled adjacent to the Mesa Convention Center, this stylish hotel offers seamless access to local attractions—including the Mesa Amphitheater, Mesa Arts Center, spring-training baseball stadiums, museums, shops, and more.

Comfort & Amenities

Rooms & Suites
Updated, pet-friendly guestrooms and suites feature smart TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily bottled water, air conditioning, refrigerator, safe, laptop-friendly workspace, and modern décor.
On-Site Perks
- AZ Brew Coffee Bar (serving Starbucks, breakfast pastries, lunch, dinner, cocktails)
- Grab-and-go market for snacks or quick bites
- Outdoor heated pool with lounge area and whirlpool—complimentary towels and 6 AM–10 PM access
- 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight training equipment
- Restaurant & bar/lounge offering à la carte, buffet, and local specialties
- Free self-parking, meeting/event spaces, business center, laundry facilities, concierge, and 24-hour front desk

This combination of thoughtful amenities and location makes it perfect for business travel, events, and family stays.

Webcast

Vex IQ 2025 - Diamond in the Desert

Judging Format

Digital Engineering Notebook Submissions / In Person Team Interviews: Team interviews will be conducted in-person at the event. Engineering notebooks will be submitted digitally for evaluation via a link found within the "My Account" panel of the team contact on RobotEvents. Digital Engineering Notebook submissions must be submitted by midnight, December 8, 2025.