FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Who will be invited to the 2024 Innovation Summit? 
The Finalist Teams in each category were emailed on Friday, February 23 regarding this recognition and next steps. If you were named a Finalist and did not receive an email, please check your SPAM folder first and then reach out to us at info@conradchallenge.org.

What is the deadline for teams to accept their Finalist invitation?
All Finalist Teams must confirm their participation to attend the Innovation no later than Friday, March 1 by 11:59 p.m. EDT. Once teams accept their invitations, they will receive a Finalist Student Guide with all instructions needed for Summit. 

Will there be a financial requirement for the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit?
Each participant (student, coach, chaperones and family members) who attends the in-person Innovation Summit are required to pay a $499 registration fee. We are sensitive to the current global economic landscape and worked with our sponsors and partners to provide the most cost-effective solution to our participants.

The registration fee covers the following during Summit: all meals during official programming, NASA Johnson Space Center Tour, daily Space Center Houston admission, transportation to/from the airports (William P. Hobby (HOU) Airport and George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Airport) at scheduled times to host hotel (South Shore Harbour Resort), to/from Space Center Houston each day, and return to the airport. 

Attendees are responsible for their own airfare and hotel accommodations. We recommend staying at the host hotel (South Shore Harbour Resort), where the Conrad Challenge has negotiated a discounted room rate including breakfast each day. The host hotel will also be the pickup/drop-off location for all Innovation Summit transportation. 

Will there be financial aid available for Finalist teams to attend the Innovation Summit?
As with other fees associated with the Conrad Challenge, discounted Summit registration rates may apply for qualified title one schools or special circumstances. If you believe you are eligible for a discount, please contact us at info@conradchallenge.org. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer financial aid for travel or hotel expenses. Our team continues to work on securing corporate sponsors to supplement travel support in the future.

Does our entire team need to attend in person?
Student teams will not be penalized in any way if the entire team is unable to attend in-person. However, in order to qualify for judging, at least two members of the team must attend in-person. ALL members of the team must contribute to the development of and be showcased in Finalist pitch materials.  

In addition, all teams must be accompanied by an adult chaperone over the age of 21. Chaperones are responsible for their students at all times during the Innovation Summit. Should a student have an accident, fall ill or need care, the chaperone will be responsible for taking the appropriate action to ensure the student's health and well-being. 

What are the COVID-19 safety precautions?
Space Center Houston is committed to creating a safe event for our attendees. Currently, masks are not required at Space Center Houston or South Shore Harbour Resort. We will continue to work closely with our venues and are confident that they are doing everything they can to keep their guests safe, as recommended by their local health agencies and required by their management.

Will the Innovation Summit be streamed live allowing others to view the event?
The Conrad team is still working to determine what portions of the programming may be streamed live and will share this information closer to the event along with instructions on how to share with others.  

Will we have time to network/collaborate with others while at the Innovation Summit?
Absolutely! The Innovation Summit is a 4-day event filled with many opportunities to network, collaborate and have fun! We have created several scheduled opportunities for informal and formal networking. In addition, the Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) will host multiple sessions to promote teamwork and community building with the Finalist teams.  

If a Finalist team can’t attend Summit, will the team be invited to a Virtual event?
No. The Conrad Challenge is not hosting a virtual event in 2024. Any team that cannot attend the Innovation Summit will forgo their participation in the Power Pitching portion of the Conrad Challenge. Teams will remain on the website as Finalists and retain their title as a 2024 Conrad Challenge Finalist for college scholarships and other references.

What will the structure of Finalist presentations look like? 
Each team will present an 8-minute ‘pitch’ to live judges followed by a round of 20-minute Q&A with the judging panel. This section is scored on a judging rubric which will be provided to Finalist teams in advance. In addition, each Finalist team is required to promote their innovation during the EXPO where teams will receive a score based on active engagement with visitors and the marketing methods presented at their booth.

*** If your question was not answered above, please contact the Conrad team at info@conradchallenge.org.