ARRL Expo 2005 to highlight League's National Convention in Dayton

If you've never been to Dayton Hamvention, then this is the year. That's because Hamvention will host the 2005 ARRL National Convention May 20-22.

A special feature of the event will be "ARRL Expo 2005," a separate area at Hara Arena that will highlight what the League means to Amateur Radio.

"ARRL Expo 2005 will be a special feature of the Convention," says ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, who's helping to coordinate the event.

"ARRL Expo will showcase ARRL membership benefits and services as well as the activities of ARRL volunteers. Visitors will be able to meet ARRL volunteers and staff knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics, and, of course, have their cards checked for operating awards."

Hamvention has donated a separate section of floor space for ARRL Expo 2005. The large area is convenient to the flea market and indoor exhibit areas--and it's just a short walk from the Ballarena entrance to Hara Arena. While the Expo area will complement the traditional ARRL concession in North Hall, it will operate independently.

ARRL Expo will offer the opportunity to meet and greet ARRL staff members and volunteers--including representatives of DXCC, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service and other ARRL entities and programs that span the wide variety of interests that comprise Amateur Radio.

The National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers (NARTE) will be attending Hamvention as guests of the ARRL National Convention. ARRL and NARTE have a memorandum of understanding to support mutually beneficial programs and activities. NARTE representatives will be on hand at the ARRL exhibit and will provide FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)
examinations to interested applicants. The testing fee, not included in the Hamvention admission price, is $40. Register or get more information from the NARTE Web site or by calling NARTE toll-free at 800-89-NARTE (800-896-2783).

Inderbitzen notes that ARRL Expo 2005 will be the place to pick up a free "ARRL Passport" to get a 2005 ARRL National Convention keepsake when making qualifying purchases from participating retailers at Hamvention.

The ARRL ad hoc National Convention Committee has been meeting since last July to help make Dayton Hamvention 2005 a memorable ARRL National Convention. New England Division Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI, chairs the committee. Members are ARRL Great Lakes Director Jim Weaver, K8JE, Dakota Division Director Jay Bellows, K0QB, Midwest Division Director Wade Walstrom, W0EJ, and ARRL Sales and Marketing Manager Dennis Motschenbacher,
K7BV.

The theme of Dayton Hamvention 2005 is "Bringing hams together from around the world." Upward of 25,000 visitors from the US and elsewhere on the globe make the annual pilgrimage to Hamvention, where socializing is a big part of
the fun.

In addition to the popular indoor and outdoor exhibits and vendors, Dayton Hamvention 2005 will feature a full slate of forums and other activities. As they say, "If you can't find it at Dayton, you'll never find it."

It's not too soon to purchase tickets for Dayton Hamvention 2005. Early birds can save $5 by getting their tickets online at the Hamvention Web site. Hamvention has eliminated the on-line handling charge.

Check the ARRL National Convention at Dayton Hamvention Web page for information updates.

Source: ARRL Letter - courtesy of The American Radio Relay League

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