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Ideas and Planning

Future Event Concepts

"Sliced" Design Challenge Format

Inspired by "Chopped" TV show format

Concept: Head-to-head design competition with surprise challenges

• Format: Timed design challenges with specific constraints or materials
• Community Engagement: Head-to-head competitions create excitement
• Skill Development: Challenges participants to think creatively under pressure

Community Outreach Initiatives

School Partnerships

• Target: Local schools and robotics teams for participation
• Coordination: Work with Lynn Fritz regarding scheduling and involvement
• Educational Value: Introduce students to advanced 3D printing techniques
• Pipeline: Create pathway from education to community involvement

Discord Integration

• Community Input: Create ballot/survey system for challenge suggestions
• Voting Platform: Integrate Discord and partner schools for voting
• Ongoing Engagement: Maintain community connection between meetings

Event Structure Improvements

Enhanced Show & Tell Format

• Multiple Categories: Organize different sections with specific themes
• Recognition System: Prizes for each category winner
• Documentation Strategy:
  • Take photos of winners to share on social media
  • Record videos of winners for social media sharing
• Hybrid Format: Combine show & tell with competitive elements

Prize Structure Evolution

• Individual Category Winners: Recognition for specific achievements
• Overall Competition Winner: Grand prize for best submission
• People's Choice Award: Community voting component

Monthly Challenge Development

Challenge Selection Process

• Monthly Themes: Set up rotating monthly design challenges
• Community Input Process:
  • Create ballot/survey system for challenge suggestions
  • Integrate Discord and partner schools for voting
  • Collect feedback during meetings

Platform Integration

• Downslash Integration: Coordinate with Downslash platform for submissions
• Cross-Platform Voting: Enable voting across Discord and school communities
• Documentation Sharing: Streamline submission and sharing processes

Implementation Timeline

Short-Term Goals (Next 3 months)

• Complete October transparency challenge
• Develop November challenge theme
• Establish school partnership contacts

Medium-Term Goals (3-6 months)

• Launch "Sliced" format pilot challenge
• Implement Discord voting system
• Expand community outreach

Long-Term Vision (6+ months)

• Regular competitive events
• Strong school partnerships
• Multi-platform community engagement

Community Feedback Integration

Input Channels

• Meeting Discussions: Collect ideas during meetups
• Discord Polls: Online community voting
• School Feedback: Educational partner input
• Organizer Coordination: Regular planning sessions

Idea Development Process

1. Collection: Gather community suggestions
2. Evaluation: Assess feasibility and interest
3. Planning: Develop implementation strategy
4. Testing: Pilot new concepts
5. Refinement: Improve based on feedback

This document represents ongoing planning discussions and community input. Ideas are subject to refinement and community approval.