The ARRL National Convention will be held at the Dayton Hamvention® May 15-17 at Hara Arena. According to ARRL Sales and Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, the ARRL National Convention will be filled with activities and exhibits. "Our host organization, the Dayton Amateur Radio Association, has three big days planned, chock-full of every bit of Amateur Radio you can think of," Inderbitzen said. "ARRL volunteers from across its 15 National Divisions will be present, alongside thousands of out-of-towners who will make Dayton their home-away-from-home during the event. The centerpiece of ARRL's convention planning is ARRL EXPO -- a huge showcase of ARRL program representatives and activities. Many new exhibits are being planned, with special focus on operating and project-building." A preview of what is planned for ARRL EXPO can be found at the ARRL EXPO Web site.

The ARRL EXPO, located in the large exhibit area in the Ballarena Hall (near the 400-numbered booths), will showcase exhibits and activities to enhance the ham radio experience. Open to both ARRL members and nonmembers, ARRL EXPO is packed with official ARRL program representatives, activities (including activities for youth) and forums. Visit the ARRL bookstore for popular publications and products, join the ARRL or renew your membership, and pick up official ARRL merchandise. All who join the ARRL or renew their membership at the Dayton Hamvention will receive a free gift.

Personnel from the ARRL DXCC Branch will be on hand to check DX cards and applications. All cards will be eligible for checking -- including old cards, cards for deleted countries and cards for 160 meters. Applications will be limited to 120 cards (more cards will be checked as time and volunteer Card Checkers are available). Check out the ARRL Awards Web site for the latest program information and current forms.

Inderbitzen said that a special event operating station is planned, so be sure to have a copy of your license on hand -- get in the hot seat of W1AW/8 and get on the air! You can also meet W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, part of the team that supports the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station at ARRL Headquarters.

The ARRL Youth Lounge in the ARRL EXPO is the place to meet and socialize with other young hams. Whether you're 1 or 21, the Youth Lounge is sure to offer something that young hams will enjoy. Come to chat with other hams, listen to music, grab a snack or participate in one of the many activities, such as fox-hunts, scavenger hunts, Morse code fun, a QSL card designing contest, crafts, prizes and more. Whether or not you're licensed, you're welcome to come by and join the fun! If you are looking for other young people at Hamvention, check out the youth calling frequencies at 145.540 MHz (107.2 Hz CTCSS) primary and 146.430 (233.6 Hz CTCSS) secondary.

If you enjoy waxing-nostalgic over the gear of yesteryear, then drop by the exhibit area to meet vintage equipment photographer Joe Veras, K9OCO. He will be autographing his new book, 50 Years of Amateur Radio Innovation, recently published by ARRL. There are some other "vintage" surprises planned, as well, Inderbitzen said.

"If you can't make it to Dayton," Inderbitzen said, "you can still catch all the latest news on the Convention's Weblog. QST Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY, will once again be blogging about Hamvention. Proving you can indeed go home again, Steve will regale readers with the adventures of staying with his mother at his childhood home in Dayton." For the past few years, thousands of readers have been entertained as Steve has related stories about new gear making its debut at Hamvention, the weather in Dayton and the overall feel of the event -- as well as the ever-popular antics at "Casa de Mi Madre."

The ARRL will introduce a new blog at this year's National Convention: ARRL Youth Editor Duncan MacLachlan, KU0DM, will blog from a young ham's perspective. MacLachlan, who will be assisting former Youth Editor Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, and her father Scott, KF4PWI, in the ARRL Youth Lounge, will explore the Hamvention exhibits, forums and events, giving his first-time take on the Hamvention experience. "Duncan's youth perspective is a welcome addition to the ARRL National Convention team," Inderbitzen said. "We hope you'll explore all of Dayton's nooks and crannies through his reporting."

ARRL staff are getting ready for all the excitement that a National Convention brings. Teaming up with the Dayton Hamvention is sure to bring everything to a fever pitch, so why not make plans to join in on the fun? Travel and lodging information is available on the Hamvention Web site.