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by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, ARRL Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation<\/i><\/p>\n
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Alabama\u2019s Huntsville Hamfest proudly promotes itself as \u201cThe World\u2019s Friendliest Hamfest!\u201d It\u2019s been only a few days since the convention ended, and that sentiment is still resonating among those of us who attended the 2026 ARRL National Convention hosted by the Huntsville Hamfest, August 21 \u2013 23.<\/p>\n
You could feel the welcome almost immediately.<\/p>\n
ARRL\u2019s National Convention program on Friday drew attendees from 37 states. The day started early with three full-day workshops, each attracting a different slice of the amateur radio community. In Mini Contest University, organized by Tim Duffy, K3LR, and sponsored by DX Engineering, first-time and veteran contesters settled in together to learn, compare notes, and sharpen their skills. In the room next door, the Emergency Communications Academy brought together amateurs who volunteer when their communities need communications support, sharing experiences and practical lessons from the field.<\/p>\n
Then there was the Portable Antenna Workshop, where ARRL author \u201cSalty Walt\u201d Hudson, K4OGO, teamed up with Michael Martens, KB9VBR, of YouTube\u2019s KB9VBR Antennas, and ARRL Digital RF Engineer John McAuliffe, W1DRF. It was the kind of session that captures what amateur radio does so well: take a popular activity, put a group of curious people in a room, and start figuring it out together.<\/p>\n
And then there was the setting itself.<\/p>\n
Huntsville is a natural place for a gathering centered on radio and technology. The connection was especially apparent at dinner Friday evening, when National Convention attendees gathered for a fundraiser at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to support the ARRL Education and Technology Program. Surrounded by reminders of America\u2019s history of exploration and technological achievement, amateur radio\u2019s role in advancing technology and inspiring young people felt right at home. ARRL Director of Education and Learning Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, delivered an inspiring message, sharing his lifelong journey as a radio amateur while highlighting ARRL\u2019s commitment to developing educators who can ultimately reach thousands of young people. Director of Development Kevin Beal, K8EAL, encouraged additional\u00a0donations, noting that the cost to sponsor and cover all expenses for an educator attending the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology is $4,000.<\/p>\n
The evening also included special recognition of the Huntsville Hamfest Association for hosting the National Convention, with ARRL presenting a plaque to Chairman Mark Brown, N4BCD.<\/p>\n
That spirit carried onto the hamfest floor.<\/p>\n
Crowds flooded in when the doors opened on Saturday morning to the familiar sounds of a major hamfest \u2013 conversations, laughter, the occasional \u201cHey, good to see you!\u201d and plenty of discussion about radios, antennas, operating, technology, and everything in between.<\/p>\n
That energy was also evident throughout the sprawling ARRL EXPO. Attendees had the opportunity to talk with ARRL staff and volunteers, ask questions, learn more about programs and services, and put faces to the people behind the organization. For ARRL, being present at major conventions such as Huntsville is an important part of being a member association. We can communicate through QST, the ARRL Letter, email and social media, but there is something different about sitting across the table from a member and having a conversation. That was especially apparent in the area of the EXPO where ARRL Officers spent time meeting with attendees. President Rick Roderick, K5UR; CEO David Minster, NA2AA; First Vice President Kristen McIntyre, K6WX, and Second Vice President Rick Niswander, K7GM, spoke with hundreds of attendees who stopped by to ask questions, share ideas, or simply say hello.<\/p>\n
The ARRL Lab tested over 100 handheld radios for spurious emissions during the weekend while also promoting the ARRL Technical Information Service. \u201cThe Lab booth had lots of traffic, and as usual, it was super fun,\u201d said Senior Laboratory Engineer Rick Ciervo, W1CIE. \u201cIt was great to meet so many members who recognize and appreciate the work ARRL does for amateur radio.\u201d<\/p>\n
At Saturday afternoon\u2019s ARRL Membership Forum, Emergency Communications and Field Services Director Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, presented Year of the Club\u00a0newsletter and website contest\u00a0awards to representatives of ARRL Affiliated Clubs.<\/p>\n
Three days went by quickly. There was plenty to see, learn, buy, discuss, and experience. But what stood out most was the people. If \u201cThe World\u2019s Friendliest Hamfest!\u201d sounds like a bold claim, those of us who spent the weekend in Huntsville might suggest that they have a pretty good case.<\/p>\n
You can see even more photos from the 2026 ARRL National Convention on\u00a0Facebook.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead: There are tentative plans to host the next ARRL National Convention at\u00a0Pacificon\u00a0in San Ramon, California, in October 2028.<\/p>\n
Check out the National Convention recap on the ARRL YouTube channel.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n