If it’s information related to preparing for 2021 World Finals, this is where you’ll find it! Please bear with us as planning is still underway and we’ll be posting information as soon as it’s available. Check back often as we continue to add resources!
(last updated 6/4/21)
A Letter to Coaches
Dear Odyssey of the Mind Coach:
Congratulations to you and your team advancing to the Odyssey of the Mind 2021 World Finals in Orlando, FL. This year more than ever it was important to provide an interpersonal activity for our youth and your commitment made it possible.
Here is some important information you should review prior to traveling to Orlando, FL.
Required Forms to be turned in during Registration:
Team Contract (download here)
Media Release Form (download here)
COVID Release Form (download here)
When you arrive and are settled in, please register your team.
Team Registration:
Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 2nd Floor, Salon 11
Team Photo opportunity for the video shown during World Finals and on the Odyssey HQ website.
Friday, June 11, 2021 from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Orange County Convention Center West Building Concourse Level II
Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 9:00 am – noon at the Orange County Convention Center West Building Concourse Level II
Everyone entering the Orange County Convention Center will have to turn in the COVID Release form. Non-vaccinated individuals will get a temperature check to receive a wristband that gives you access to all of the events and activities. Please share this information with your team spectators. You can download the COVID Release here.
Prop Drop Off Area:
Orange County Convention Center West A/B Lobby Entrance
Limited to one vehicle per team with a maximum of 10 minutes to drop off. This is enforced.
Please have parents, team members, and supporters park in the parking lot and meet at the drop off location to unload the vehicle. Parking is free.
Open seating for Opening and Awards Ceremonies. Get your group together before taking your seats.
Pin Trading will take place in a designated socially-distant area.
Wearing a mask is required to enter and remain in the Orange County Convention Center. Teams have the option of removing their masks when presenting their Long-Term problem solution. Health and safety guidelines are subject to change.
The Coaches’ Competition will take place Friday, June 11 at 8:00 pm. West Hall WB3
Please register here.
For more information on the competition sites please check our website
We look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando, FL.
Best of luck!
Cheryl Micklus
Tony Birkmeier
Tournament Directors
Schedule of Events
Thursday June 10, 2021
[table “” not found /]Friday June 11, 2021
[table “” not found /]Saturday June 12, 2021
[table “” not found /](Specific locations/rooms for events are still being determined and will be posted ASAP)
Competition Site Details
All competition sites will feature double-doors which allow easy transportation of sets, props, etc. All teams will be competing on commercial carpeting EXCEPT for Problem 1, which will be on a hard-surfaced floor.
As a reminder, we do not have shuttles this year because the entire event is within a single facility. The OCCC is a very large facility so visitors should plan accordingly for the time needed to travel between locations and events.
Division 1 | Division 2 | Division 3/4 | |
---|---|---|---|
Problem 1 | West Hall Room B4 Front Right (Photo) | West Hall Room B4 Front Right (Photo) | West Hall Room B4 Front Right (Photo) |
Problem 2 | West Hall Room W204 ABC (Photo) | West Hall Room W204 ABC (Photo) | West Hall Room 202 ABC (Photo) |
Problem 3 | West Hall Room W304 ABC (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) | West Hall Room W304 ABC (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) | West Hall Room W304 EFG (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) |
Problem 4 | West Hall Room W209 (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) | West Hall Room W209 (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) | West Hall Room W209 (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) |
Problem 5 | West Hall Room W311 ABC (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) | West Hall Room W311 EFG (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) | West Hall Room W311 EFG (Photo) (Floor Plan Diagram) |
Spontaneous | West Building Level 1 | West Building Level 1 | West Building Level 1 |
Prop Shipment & Disposal
Shipment & Storage
Due to COVID-19 precautions, Odyssey of the Mind World Finals will unfortunately not have dedicated prop and set storage/work space this year. Typically teams have their props and sets shipped to the hosting university and all items are stored in a common space where teams may assemble or otherwise work on their materials. To avoid having numerous teams working in close proximity, we must forgo this space for 2021 World Finals.
Teams are encouraged to inquire with their chosen hotel if they need to find storage or work space. It may also be effective for teams from the same associations to pool resources for transportation or in discussing these space needs with the hotel, if they are staying at the same location.
Disposal
Dumpsters will be available for prop/set disposal, after teams have completed their performances. We know that many teams enjoy the tradition of “enthusiastically” disposing of their props and sets, but this year only adults are permitted to physically dispose of items at the dumpsters. The facility will provide carts for adults from teams to transport materials for disposal and the teams may “enthusiastically” (but safely!) break down those materials so that they fit on the carts.
Dining Options
During the event, a variety of dining kiosks will be open to visitors, within the Orange County Convention Center. Visitors should plan for breakfast outside of the convention center. At the moment we cannot guarantee that breakfast options will be available. The kiosks will offer a variety of dietary options and styles at affordable price points. Visitors are also free to leave the convention center to seek alternative options as they see fit.
Coaches Competition
Odyssey of the Mind coaches and volunteers work hard to facilitate creative thinking – but that’s not the hardest part. All year they have to keep their creative ideas to themselves while the teams have all the fun! This competition is their chance to express themselves, solve a problem, and have fun doing so. And the best part – teams and parents can participate with the coach as well.
We welcome all coaches and officials! If you missed the sign up deadline, you are still able to join. Arrive with your solution at West Hall B3 before 8pm.
Covid Shots
The Problem
Coaches are hitting back at Covid during this year’s World Finals. Your problem is to design, build, and operate a device that propels two tennis balls at a covid cell-shaped target. All participants will work together to destroy this nuisance target with their creativity!
Limitations
1. Coaches can work individually or with team members/parents as a single entrant.
2. The Device:
- must be designed, built, and operated by the coach and/or team members.
- must be original; however, it may include commercially produced parts. The propulsion system that propels the tennis balls is not allowed to be a commercially produced item made for launching balls.
- must use only direct or indirect human power. For example, it is not allowed to use electric and must comply with the general rules of the Program Guide.
- must be safe in its design. If it is judged to pose potential harm to anyone or the competition site, it will be prohibited. See the 2020-21 Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide.
- must fit through a standard doorway. No part of the device may touch the target, it can only be hit by tennis balls.
- will launch two standard tennis balls, one at a time.
- will be judged on creativity (including: how it propels the balls, overall design, use of materials, etc.
3. The Tennis Balls:
- cannot be altered in any way. The only exception is writing the team’s name on it for retrieving the balls.
- must be propelled in a safe manner.
4. The Target:
- will be placed no less than 10’ away and no more than 25’ away.
- will be provided by the Tournament Director.
- will remain in one place until it is knocked down by the devices.
The Competition
- If needed, entries will be assigned a number when registering at the competition site.
- When your number is announced, you must take your solution to one of the Shot Spots marked by a taped X on the floor.
- A judge will blow a whistle to indicate that it’s time to launch the balls at the target.
- Contestants will work simultaneously to try and destroy the target as judges score the creativity of the devices.
- Nothing can be thrown or launched into the audience.
Awards
- Awards for the most creative device will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as determined by the judges.
- Overall Style will also be awarded to the entry that has the most creative/popular appearance.
Graduation
Join OMER and Dr. Sam for a special graduation ceremony the evening of June 11 at 7 p.m.
Open to graduating high school and college seniors. Spectators welcome! The ceremony will take place in West Hall B4
Graduates please arrive at West Hall B4 at 6:30 for lineup.
Lodging
The following hotels are offering the rates and room options below as they welcome 2021 World Finals teams to Orlando! Teams are free to make accommodations anywhere they choose and are not limited to those on the list below.Days Inn Convention Center
Days Inn Convention Center
9990 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-8700
Room Type: 2 Double Beds
Rate: $70.00 plus 12.5% tax per night, per room
Reservations: 407-352-8700 and ask for the Florida Odyssey for the Mind block* to make reservations by May 10, 2021.
Rates from June 11-13, 2021
*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)
Hampton Inn by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
Hampton Inn by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
8900 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
407-354-4447
Room Type: 2 Queen Bed Standard Rooms
Rate: $99.00
Booking Code: FLD or ask for Florida Odyssey Group Rate*
Reservations: Online using above booking code 877-620-8006 or 407-354-4447 Option 1
*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando IDrive Theme Parks
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando IDrive Theme Parks
11545 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821
Room Type: 1 King Bed
Rate: $99
Reservations: Online using this link
Room Type: 2 Queen Beds
Rate: $99
Reservations: Online using this link
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando I-Drive 360
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando I-Drive 360
8250 Jamaican Ct
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-8250
Room Type: 2 Double Bed Suites
Rate: $109.00
Special: Complimentary Self-Parking when using code FLD or link below
Booking Code: FLD or ask for Florida Odyssey Rate*
Reservations: Online using above booking code or 800-871-5831 or 407-345-8250 Option 1
*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)
Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
8745 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-2232
Room Type: King Bed Suites with Sofa Sleeper
Rate: $109.00
Booking Code: FLD or ask for Florida Odyssey Group Rate*
Reservations: Online using above booking code OR 800-809-9726 or 407-248-2232 Option 1
*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)
Hyatt Place Orlando I-Drive/Convention Center
Hyatt Place Orlando I-Drive/Convention Center
8741 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 370-4720
Room Type: 2 Double Beds and a Sofa Sleeper
Rate: $109.00
Special: Complimentary parking and breakfast
Reservations: www.hyattplaceorlandoconventioncenter.com using Group Code: G-FOMA or via phone, mention FL Odyssey of the Mind Association*
JUST ADDED 4/19
Room Type: High Floor 2 Double Beds with Microwave
Rate: $114
Reservations: www.hyattplaceorlandoconventioncenter.com using Group Code: G-FOMA or via phone, mention FL Odyssey of the Mind Association*
*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)
TRYP by Wyndham Orlando
TRYP by Wyndham Orlando
11539 International Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821
(407) 315-7500
Room Type: 2 Queen Beds
Rate: $109
Reservations: Online using this link
Room Type: 2 Queen Beds and 1 Bunk Bed, Family Room
Rate: $139
Reservations: Online using this link
Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center
6461 Westwood Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32821
Room Type: 1 – 4 per room
Rate: $119
Reservations: Online using this link or by telephone call the hotel at 407-351-4091 and ask for reservations with the group code: OOTM21
The Element Orlando
The Element Orlando
8278 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-2225
Room Type: 2 Queen Beds
Rate: $125.00 plus tax
Special: Complimentary parking, WiFi, and Breakfast
Reservations: Online OR Call (407) 352-2225 and mention Florida Odyssey of the Mind* by May 10, 2021.
Rates from June 10 – 13, 2021
*2021 World Finals is being organized by Odyssey HQ with assistance from Florida Odyssey of the Mind Association (FLOMA)