Robotics Events & Workshops

Join our community events, workshops, and competitions to advance your robotics skills and connect with fellow innovators.

Introduction to Arduino Programming
Workshop
Beginner
Introduction to Arduino Programming

Learn the basics of Arduino programming and build your first robot project.

Monday, January 15, 2024
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Virtual Classroom
18/25 registered

Instructor: Dr. Sarah Johnson

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Robotics Competition Prep
Competition
Advanced
Robotics Competition Prep

Prepare for the upcoming FIRST Robotics Competition with advanced strategies.

Saturday, January 20, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
BDPArobotics Lab
12/15 registered

Instructor: Marcus Williams

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3D Printing for Robotics
Workshop
Intermediate
3D Printing for Robotics

Design and print custom parts for your robotics projects using CAD software.

Thursday, January 25, 2024
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Maker Space
15/20 registered

Instructor: Angela Davis

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AI and Machine Learning in Robotics
Seminar
Advanced
AI and Machine Learning in Robotics

Explore how artificial intelligence enhances modern robotics systems.

Thursday, February 1, 2024
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Virtual Classroom
22/30 registered

Instructor: Dr. Michael Chen

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Build Your First Robot
Workshop
Beginner
Build Your First Robot

Hands-on workshop where students build a complete robot from scratch.

Monday, February 5, 2024
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
BDPArobotics Lab
8/12 registered

Instructor: Jordan Thompson

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Robotics Career Fair
Career
All Levels
Robotics Career Fair

Meet industry professionals and explore career opportunities in robotics.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Convention Center
67/100 registered

Instructor: Various Speakers

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BDPA West Regional Conference Banner

Network with tech professionals, 10x your chapter with chapter building workshops, upskill and discover AI, robotics, and quantum computing

San Francisco Bay Area
March 14 – 16, 2026 (3rd Weekend of March)

Day 1 – Friday, March 14, 2025

📍 Hackathon + Networking Event

8:00 – 9:00 AM → Hackathon Kickoff & Team Formation

9:00 – 12:00 PM → Hackathon Morning Work Session

12:00 – 1:00 PM → Lunch Break

1:00 – 5:00 PM → Hackathon Afternoon Work Session

5:00 – 6:30 PM → Final Project Submissions Due

6:30 – 7:00 PM → Hackathon Ends – Transition

7:00 – 9:00 PM → Networking Reception (students, sponsors, professionals)

Note: No awards Friday (students stay engaged with networking instead)

Day 2 – Saturday, March 15, 2025

📍 Main Stage – Workshops, Panels & Demo Day

9:00 – 9:30 AM → Opening Remarks

9:30 – 10:00 AM → Keynote #1

10:00 – 12:00 PM → Workshops & Talks (AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship)

12:00 – 1:00 PM → Lunch Break

1:00 – 3:30 PM → Panels & Talks

3:30 – 5:00 PM → Demo Day Pitches

5:00 – 6:00 PM → Break & Reset

6:00 – 8:00 PM → Fireside Chats & Evening Talks

8:00 – 9:00 PM → Demo Day Final Showcase

9:00 – 9:30 PM → Hackathon Awards Ceremony (Judges Announce Winners)

9:30 – 10:00 PM → Closing Session & Networking Reception

Day 3 – Sunday, March 16, 2025

📍 Golden Gate Park – Outdoor Community Day

Community Bonding & Team Building

  • Group hike (Lands End / Marin Headlands)
  • Park BBQ (Golden Gate Park or Presidio)
  • Optional beach gathering (Ocean Beach)
  • Informal mentorship circles and community fellowship

Stay Updated

Get the latest updates about BDPA Next Wave

Featured Speakers

Tenaiya King

BDPA National Director of Communications

National BDPA and Communications

Kareem DaSilva

BDPA San Francisco Chapter President

Growing Chapter Numbers

Norman Mays

Long Time Lifetime Member

BDPA Legacy and Experience

🎟 Admission Tiers & Benefits

BDPA Members

FREE Admission
  • • Access to all general sessions (workshops, panels, demo day)
  • • Invitation to Friday Networking Reception
  • • Sunday outdoor activity included
  • • Priority registration for Saturday workshops

No Membership

$100
  • • Access to all general sessions (workshops, panels, demo day)
  • • Friday Networking Reception
  • • Sunday outdoor activity included
  • • (No member-exclusive perks)

Silver Admission

$250
(BDPA discount: $150 for members)

All benefits above plus:

  • • Reserved seating for Keynotes & Panels
  • • Access to one premium workshop track (AI, Robotics, or Cybersecurity)
  • • Conference swag bag (t-shirt, notebook, pen, etc.)
  • • Recognition in conference program as Silver Attendee

Gold Admission

$350
(BDPA discount: $250 for members)

All Silver benefits plus:

  • • Access to all premium workshops (AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity)
  • • Access to speakers' slides & workshop recordings post-event
  • • Exclusive networking lunch with panelists and sponsors
  • • Premium swag (BDPA tech kit — portable charger, notebook, etc.)
  • • Recognition in conference program as Gold Attendee

VIP Admission

$450
(BDPA discount: $350 for members)

All Gold benefits plus:

  • • VIP Reception with keynote speakers, sponsors & BDPA leadership
  • • Personalized 1:1 mentorship session with a senior BDPA professional
  • • Front-row reserved seating at all sessions
  • • VIP swag bundle (premium bag, hoodie, tech gear)
  • • Recognition on conference website and social media

BDPA Member Benefit: All BDPA members receive $100 off any admission tier

Logistics

Travel

Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Accommodation

Partner hotel discounts available. Details will be shared with registered attendees.

Transportation

Group shuttles provided between venues. Public transit options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call for Speakers

Share your expertise and inspire the next generation of tech leaders! We're looking for dynamic speakers to present at BDPA Next Wave.

Sponsors & Partners

Partner with us to support the next generation of tech leaders and connect with top talent from across the region.

Platinum Sponsor

$10,000
  • • Keynote speaking opportunity
  • • Premium booth space
  • • Logo on all materials
  • • VIP reception access

Gold Sponsor

$5,000
  • • Workshop hosting opportunity
  • • Standard booth space
  • • Logo on conference materials
  • • Networking reception access

Silver Sponsor

$2,500
  • • Display table
  • • Logo on website
  • • Welcome reception access
  • • Recruitment opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities

Help make BDPA Next Wave a success! Volunteers gain valuable event experience and networking opportunities while supporting the tech community.

Event Support

  • • Registration desk assistance
  • • Session room setup & management
  • • Audio/visual support
  • • Attendee guidance & information

Community Outreach

  • • Social media content creation
  • • Photography & videography
  • • Student mentor support
  • • Networking facilitation

Volunteer Benefits:

  • • Free conference access
  • • Volunteer appreciation dinner
  • • Professional development certificate
  • • Networking opportunities with speakers and sponsors