Subj : 2024 ARRL National Convention Kicks off at Dayton Hamvention
To   : QST
From : ARRL de WD1CKS
Date : Sat May 18 2024 04:54 am

05/17/2024

By: Sam Shaner, KE1SAM

A massive turnout of hams of all ages are flocking to numerous attractions at
the 2024 ARRL National Convention, hosted at Dayton Hamvention�[1]. Local
scattered showers don't seem to be raining on this parade; outside Tesla
Building 2, seemingly miles-long lines of attendees wait for their orders of
pork tenderloin sandwiches, hand-sliced gyros, burgers, and corn dogs. Inside,
there is little elbow room to be had at the ARRL exhibit area.

One popular corner is the display of several ARRL publications, some of which
are hot off the press. Attendees take turns thumbing through the 19th edition
of Hints and Kinks, The POTA Book, and ARRL's Tech-through-Amateur Extra
license manuals. Meanwhile, merch like sweatshirts, mugs, and pins are flying
off the shelves.

Back-to-back forums in Forum Room 3 are bustling with activity as well. ARRL
Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, gathers a sizable crowd
to hear his presentation on the partnerships between Amateur Radio Emergency
Service� (ARES�)[2] groups, Auxiliary Communications (AuxComm) groups,
SAFECOM�, and CISA, in addition to the continued positive relations with served
agencies at state, regional, and federal levels. Forum Room 3 had fewer and
fewer empty seats as the day progressed, as Johnston's talk was followed by
ARRL National Instructor Gordon West, WB6NOA's, engaging overview of instructor
technique - how best to teach prospective hams in an accessible and fun way.
Gordo's forum was a sensible segue into ARRL Education and Learning Manager
Steve Goodgame's, K5ATA, deep dive into the many ways amateur radio science is
not only making its way into schools but leading to unprecedented youth
licensing.

As the afternoon rolled in, skies cleared and many more gathered at the event.
Finishing touches are being placed on the ARRL Youth Rally, scheduled for
Saturday. Dozens of young people are expected to participate.


[1] http://www.arrl.org/expo
[2] http://www.arrl.org/ares

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