Skip Youngberg, K1NKR
Whenever you get the chance, take a look at the five tenets that constitute the “Basis and Purpose” of the Radio Amateur Service (47cfr, §97.1).
Your convention organizers have solicited and curated a plethora of talks intended to highlight our:
- Providing EMCOM and public service (§97.1 (a))
- Contributing to the state of the art (§97.1 (b))
- Advancing communication and technical skills (§97.1 (c))
- Being a reservoir of operators, technicians, and electronics experts (§97.1 (d))
- Advancing international goodwill (§97.1 (e))
Think about it. We’re a unique group. The Amateur Radio Service is a worldwide user of virtually every frequency region, every modulation type, every protocol, and every content category available for radiocommunication. (Just no music, right?) Other licensees have strict bounds on what they may use their radios for, and what frequencies and modulations they may use, and where and when they may operate. There are, arguably, only two uses of radio: commercial/governmental and Amateur. One is licensed to businesses and organizations. the other is licensed to people. We, the people.
It really is a learning, doing, experiencing hobby that brings us together. We’re constantly honing our skills as operators. And contributing to the common good. And enhancing international goodwill.
You may have a special interest in some aspect of the hobby—QRP, contesting, EMCOM, equipment, experimenting, or (dare I say) POTA. Our annual gathering offers you an opportunity to participate in any number of “conventions within a convention.” HamXposition provides more in-person presentations than any other Radio Amateur gathering worldwide. All that, plus workshops, entertainment, the flea market, license classes and exams, and a couple of operating events.
We all have to thank your fellow attendees for volunteering talks. Year after year, I’m impressed with the talent, breadth of interest, and experience of our speakers. (Incidentally, nothing is paid for. With only a few “scholarship style” exceptions, every attendee—you, committee members, volunteers, and speakers pay the nominal registration fee. HamXposition is truly “of, by, and for” those who attend.)
Now… Do yourself a favor. Don’t get stuck attending just one “convention within the convention.” Make some time to explore an aspect of ham radio you haven’t tried before. Sit in on a talk on an unfamiliar topic. Learn something. Get out of the meeting rooms and talk. Communicate. Meet your Amateur brethren (and “sisterthren” and “youth-thren”) whose varied interests contribute to the vastly wonderful universe of our hobby.
And look forward to next year’s HamXposition. Locally, 2025 will be the 250th anniversary of “the shot heard ‘round the world.” But we all know that for over a century Amateur Radio’s signals have been heard ‘round the world.
73,
Skip Youngberg, K1NKR