Ham Radio Convention

• Banquet Tickets • • • • Exhibit & Activities Guide (PDF)

Where: Central Florida Fair and Expo Park, 4603 West Colonial Drive, Florida 32808

Official websites:

Convention Tickets: www.hamcation.com

Background

Welcome! ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio®, welcomes all members and friends to the 2016 ARRL National Convention in Orlando, Florida, February 12-14, 2016. The convention will mark the 70th anniversary of HamCation®—one of the largest annually-held gatherings of radio amateurs in the US.

Orlando HamCation® is sponsored by the Orlando Amateur Radio Club, an ARRL-affiliated radio club, and is supported by volunteers from radio clubs throughout the region. In past years, HamCation® has received regular sanctioning as the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention. In 2014, HamCation® was designated as one of six ARRL Regional Centennial Events—helping celebrate ARRL’s centennial year.

HamCation® is held on the grounds of the Central Florida Fair and Expo Park in Orlando—an 87-acres, lakefront fairgrounds. The published gate figure for 2015 was +14, 000 (all three days).

The convention features indoor vendor exhibits, an outdoor flea market, swap, tailgaters, and many food concession stands (something for everyone!). There is plenty of free parking. Onsite RV parking with hookups is available (reservations required). In 2015, the convention sponsored 28 forums covering topics in Amateur Radio technology, public service, and education. ARRL Volunteer Examiners sponsor Amateur Radio license examination sessions on Saturday (morning and afternoon test sessions). A special event Amateur Radio station, call sign K1AA, will be setup and operating from the fairgrounds—inviting attendees for some on-air fun.

For ARRL’s part, the national convention will feature ARRL EXPO—a large assembly of ARRL-sponsored exhibits and program representatives. Several ARRL-sponsored presentations and forums will be given. On Saturday evening (February 13, 2016)—a 2016 ARRL National Convention Banquet will be held at the nearby Highland Manor in Apopka, Florida. The banquet dinner, program (to be announced), and the venue’s charming backdrop promise to make this an unforgettable event for ARRL members, their families, and friends. Banquet tickets will be $60 each, and includes transportation from the fairgrounds and some of the nearby hotels. Order banquet tickets directly from ARRL.

The HamCation® website includes details for convention tickets and information about forums, exhibits (including information for vendors and tailgaters), testing, travel, and preferred hotels with special rates. Convention tickets are $13 in advance; or $15 at the gate. Each ticket includes convention admission for all three days. The fairgrounds can accommodate recreational vehicles within walking distance to the main exhibit buidlings. RVers should use the reservation form available on the HamCation® website. Golf carts are used to help shuttle attendees, including those requiring mobility assistance, between areas of the fairgrounds.

Orlando, Florida is a favorite vacation destination. Consider extending your convention trip to include the popular Orlando-based theme parks, attractions, outdoor adventures, and dining. Many major cities offer non-stop flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Sanford Orlando International Airport (SFB). Plan your trip to Orlando at www.visitorlando.com.

Interested parties will find complete details for the 2016 ARRL National Convention at For information about ARRL and Amateur Radio, visit and

Use this handy guide to find ARRL-sponsored activities, exhibits and program representatives. ARRL EXPO is a large exhibit area located in the vendor buidling.

ARRL Store Visit the HUGE ARRL bookstore to purchase popular ARRL publications, join, renew or extend your ARRL membership, and pick up official ARRL merchandise.