Smoky Mountain Forge

議程

We're putting the finishing touches on our agenda. Be sure to check back for updates!

志工

It takes an incredible team of volunteers to make Smoky Mountain Forge a success, and we'd love for you to be part of it!

Whether you're an experienced volunteer or it's your very first event, there's a place for you. No robotics experience is necessary; we'll provide the training and support you need. Feel free to sign up for multiple shifts or roles. Parents, family members, friends, and community members told us volunteering was one of the highlights of the event, and much more rewarding than watching from the sidelines.

At Smoky Mountain Forge, we're passionate about creating a fair, welcoming, and unforgettable experience for every student. Before the event, each volunteer will have a brief conversation with our event leadership team to review their role, answer questions, and ensure everyone understands our expectations for professionalism, consistency, and impartiality. Protecting the integrity of the competition and providing the best possible experience for every team is one of our highest priorities.

As a thank-you for your time, all volunteers receive a complimentary event t-shirt and meals during their volunteer shifts.

Volunteer registration will open soon!

If you have questions about volunteering, we'd love to hear from you.

Julie Moss
865-898-5321
[email protected]

緊急/惡劣天氣政策

The safety of all participants, volunteers, staff, and attendees is our highest priority. This policy outlines the procedures we will follow in the event of emergencies or inclement weather before or during the event.

General Policy

The event will proceed as scheduled unless conditions pose a clear risk to health, safety, or travel. We will monitor weather alerts and emergency notifications from local authorities, and decisions will be made accordingly.

Weather-Related Cancellations or Delays

• Before the Event Day:
  A decision to cancel or delay the event due to weather will be made by the Event Committee] no later than 6:00 AM on the day of the event. Announcements will be made via:

  • Email to registered teams

  • Our official website and/or event page

  • Social media platforms

• During the Event:
  If severe weather develops during the event (e.g., tornado warning, lightning storm, flooding), an announcement will be made over the PA system. Attendees will be directed to designated shelter areas or instructed on next steps.

Emergency Situations

In the event of a medical emergency, fire, security threat, or other serious incident:

• Notify the nearest event volunteer or staff member immediately.

• Event staff will contact emergency services if needed.

• Evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures will be initiated if required.

Refunds and Rescheduling

• In the event of a full cancellation, we will make every effort to reschedule.

• Refunds may be issued at the discretion of the event organizers and only after event expences have been covered based on the timing and circumstances.

• Teams unable to attend a rescheduled event should reference our refund policy.

Team Responsibility

Each team is responsible for:

• Ensuring they receive communications about weather and emergencies.

• Having a team emergency plan, including a meeting location and contact list.

• Bringing weather-appropriate gear (umbrellas, jackets, etc.) as needed.

退款和付款政策

If the Event Partner cancels the event: 

• Partial Refunds will be issued after event expences have been paid.

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

• No refunds will be issued unless another team is able to take your place in the tournament
• If a replacement team is found, a refund will be processed minus a 50% cancelation fee.

Payment Terms

• Payment Due Date:
  Full payment is required within 15 days of registration to secure your team's spot in the tournament.

• Alternate Arrangements:
  If you are unable to meet the 15-day deadline, please contact the tournament organizers at [email protected]  prior to the deadline to discuss alternative arrangements.

Non-Payment Consequences

• If payment is not received and no prior arrangements have been made, your team will be moved to the waitlist without further notice.

• Your spot may be offered to a team on the waitlist.

Waitlist Teams

• Teams on the waitlist will be notified if a spot becomes available.

• Waitlisted teams will have 48 hours to submit payment once offered a spot, unless otherwise agreed upon.

日期: 9-Oct-2026 - 10-Oct-2026

旅遊資訊

Lodging Information

We're putting the finishing touches on our discounted room block and will share reservation details soon!

Once available, attendees will receive access to exclusive Smoky Mountain Forge lodging rates at Stone Hill Lodge, plus complimentary admission to the on-site Wilderness Waterpark with every overnight stay.

We'll post the reservation link and booking code as soon as everything is finalized.

Our room block filled quickly last year, so we highly recommend booking as soon as reservations open to secure the best rates and availability!

網路廣播

Can't make it to the Smokies? We've got you covered!

Smoky Mountain Forge will feature a professionally produced livestream, allowing friends, family, mentors, and fans from around the world to experience the excitement as it happens. From qualification matches to elimination rounds and awards, we'll bring the action straight to your screen with high-quality coverage designed to make you feel like you're part of the event.

Whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from across the country, we're committed to delivering the same level of excellence that defines every part of the Smoky Mountain Forge experience.

Because the SMF experience isn't just for those in the building, it's for everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/@AlchemyGlobalSTEM

評審方式

Team Interviews

• All team interviews will be conducted in-person at the event venue on the day of competition.

• Teams should be prepared to discuss their design process, teamwork, and engineering practices with judges during their scheduled interview time.

• Interview schedules and locations will be provided at team check-in or posted at the event.

• Engineering Notebook Submission

• Engineering notebooks must be submitted digitally for evaluation prior to the event.

• Teams must upload their digital notebook via the link found in the "My Account" panel of the team contact on RobotEvents.com.

• All notebooks must be submitted by October 28 @ Noon to be eligible for judging.

• Late submissions or failure to submit may result in ineligibility for judged awards that require a notebook (e.g., Excellence Award, Design Award).