08/28/2026
by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, ARRL Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation
Alabama's Huntsville Hamfest proudly promotes itself as "The World's Friendliest
Hamfest!" It's 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 - 23.
You could feel the welcome almost immediately.
ARRL's 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.
Then there was the Portable Antenna Workshop, where ARRL author "Salty Walt"
Hudson, K4OGO, teamed up with Michael Martens, KB9VBR, of YouTube's 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.
And then there was the setting itself.
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's history of exploration and technological achievement, amateur radio's
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's commitment to developing educators who can ultimately reach thousands of
young people. Director of Development Kevin Beal, K8EAL, encouraged additional
donations[1], noting that the cost to sponsor and cover all expenses for an
educator attending the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology is $4,000.
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.
That spirit carried onto the hamfest floor.
Crowds flooded in when the doors opened on Saturday morning to the familiar
sounds of a major hamfest - conversations, laughter, the occasional "Hey, good
to see you!" and plenty of discussion about radios, antennas, operating,
technology, and everything in between.
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.
The ARRL Lab tested over 100 handheld radios for spurious emissions during the
weekend while also promoting the ARRL Technical Information Service. "The Lab
booth had lots of traffic, and as usual, it was super fun," said Senior
Laboratory Engineer Rick Ciervo, W1CIE. "It was great to meet so many members
who recognize and appreciate the work ARRL does for amateur radio."
At Saturday afternoon's ARRL Membership Forum, Emergency Communications and
Field Services Director Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, presented Year of the Club
newsletter and website contest[2] awards to representatives of ARRL Affiliated
Clubs.
Three days went by quickly. There was plenty to see, learn, buy, discuss, and
experience. But what stood out most was the people. If "The World's Friendliest
Hamfest!" sounds like a bold claim, those of us who spent the weekend in
Huntsville might suggest that they have a pretty good case.
You can see even more photos from the 2026 ARRL National Convention on
Facebook[3].
Looking ahead: There are tentative plans to host the next ARRL National
Convention at Pacificon[4] in San Ramon, California, in October 2028.
Check out the National Convention recap[5] on the ARRL YouTube channel.
[1] https://home.arrl.org/action/Donate/Donate-Now/CashProductId/115065
[2] https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-year-of-the-club-contests-celebrate-outstandi
ng-club-websites-and-newsletters?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm
_campaign=ARRL&_zs=SQvQm&_zl=5Nft3
[3] https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1504029165092726
[4] https://www.pacificon.org/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E6bfPnFSA4
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