Becoming an Event Partner starts with approval by Global Robotics, then we enable Event Partner access for you in the gainingSTEAM app. Want every step in order? See the Event Partner checklist.
Step 1 — Get certified by Global Robotics
The official Event Partner approval and certification is handled by VEX / Global Robotics, not by gainingSTEAM. Follow their process here:
This is the real credential that lets you host official VEX IQ events. We can't grant it — that's their zone.
Step 2 — Record your certification on your profile
Once you've been certified, add the details to your gainingSTEAM profile under certifications. Open your profile, add a certification, and fill in the program, the certification type, and the season it covers. The issued date, expiry, certificate number, and certificate URL are optional but help us confirm it. Recording it is what lets us validate your Event Partner request. More in Volunteer certifications.
Step 3 — Get Event Partner access in gainingSTEAM
Once you're an Event Partner (or getting set up as one), we can mark you as an Event Partner in the app so you can create tournaments and request our support.
To request it:
- Sign in and open your Volunteer Roles page.
- Under Request a vetted role, choose Event Partner and (optionally) add a short note — for example, that you're an approved Event Partner and which events you're planning.
- Submit the request. A gainingSTEAM admin reviews it, and you'll get an email when it's approved.
A few things to know:
- Event Partner is a vetted role — you can't grant it to yourself, and it may take a little time while we confirm and approve it.
- If you're already signed in but don't yet see the tournament tools, your request may still be pending — check your My role requests page for status.
- After approval, sign out and sign in again. A newly approved role takes effect on your next sign-in.
Step 4 — Create or join an organization
Every tournament is filed under an approved organization. Create one (gainingSTEAM staff approve new ones before they can host events) or ask an organization admin to invite you. See Creating or joining an organization.
After you're approved
Once approved and signed in again, you'll see My Events in the app. Next, create your event on VEX Events and then create your first tournament with its SKU. The whole path, in order, is on the Event Partner checklist.
Still stuck? Email [email protected] and we'll get you sorted.