Hops and Bots: A Techy Fundraising Evening

Automation is transforming how companies manufacture, compete, and grow. At the same time, we'd love to bring more production back to the United States and create new opportunities. But reshoring can succeed only if companies have access to the skilled talent and community support they need.

Join the Queen City Robotics Alliance (QCRA) at NoDa Brewing Company for our fall 2026 Hops & Bots Fundraiser, bringing together industry leaders, technology professionals, educators, students, and community supporters.

What to Expect:

A featured industry panel on robotics, automation, and Charlotte’s future workforce

Discussion of the talent, training, and support companies need to expand and grow

Networking with STEM professionals, business leaders, and community partners

Student-led robot demonstrations and listen directly from students about the benefits of our programs

Craft beer and delicious bites from NoDa Brewing Company

Featured Industry Panel:

Built Here, Run by Us: The Robotics Talent Charlotte Needs Next**

New federal rules now require robots sold in the U.S. to be built here, with most of their parts made here too. That means new factories, new investment, and thousands of hands-on robotics jobs. While headlines focus on AI replacing programmers, the robotics workforce is moving the other way: employers can't find enough technicians, integrators, and engineers. Join leaders from Stord, Conveyco, and Humanoid as they talk about where the jobs are going, what skills employers need, and how Charlotte can build that talent locally, starting with the kids in Queen City Robotics Alliance programs today.

Panelists

Leslie O’Regan-Yount, Head of Product – Logistics, Stord

Brian Keiger, Chief Brand Officer, Conveyco

David Schwebel, Head of Commercial, NA VP of Strategic Partnerships, WW, Humanoid

Moderator

Christian Dow, QCRA Board Member and EVP, Industry Leadership & Workforce Development, MHI

Why It Matters

The future workforce will need more than an awareness of automation. Students need opportunities to build, program, troubleshoot, collaborate, and solve real-world problems.

Through FIRST Robotics, afterschool programs, camps, and other hands-on learning experiences, QCRA helps students develop skills in robotics, coding, engineering, and critical thinking. Mentorship from industry professionals also helps students understand how those skills connect to college, internships, and future careers.

By developing talent early, we can help our region meet the workforce demands created by automation, reshoring, and continued industrial growth.

Your Support Powers Their Success

Proceeds from Hops & Bots help us provide:

Program sponsorships for students in need

Robotics kits, tools, and technology

Mentorship and career development programs

The hands-on learning environment that prepares students for tomorrow's careers

Make a Difference Today

Click the "Get Tickets" Button and join us at Hops & Bots to support QCRA in empowering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Your participation helps create lasting change!

Can't attend?

You can still make a tax-deductible donation to support our mission by buying a ticket or through our donation page. Every contribution helps further our mission.

For donations greater than $1,000, please send a check to us at 2102 Cambridge Beltway Dr, Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28273. Payable to Queen City Robotics Alliance.

Spread the Word!

Please share this event with your friends, family, and colleagues to help us reach even more people who are passionate about STEM education.