Hamvention®: Built by Hams, Made for You
Every May, hams from around the world gather for the biggest hamfest on the planet—Hamvention®. But did you know this legendary event almost didn’t happen? Back in 1950, John Willig W8ACE, pitched the idea of a ham radio convention to the Dayton Amateur Radio Club—but was turned down. Did that stop him? Not a chance.
But true to the ham spirit, John didn’t give up. A few years (and some persistence) later, John teamed up with the club’s new president, Frank Schwab W8YCP, and finally got the green light. With just $100, a few volunteers, and a shiny Collins 75A2 as the grand prize, the first-ever Hamvention® launched in 1952. The FCC even agreed to give license exams on-site—and hams showed up in droves. They expected 300 people. Over 600 showed up. The spark had been lit.
From those humble beginnings, with only just 7 exhibitors and 6 forums, Hamvention® has exploded into a world-class celebration of all things amateur radio. It's more than a convention—it’s the heart of the ham community. Radios, forums, new gear, rare finds, big-name speakers, and hams from every corner of the hobby, all in one place.
And this year? Hamvention® 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest one yet.So charge your batteries, dust off your callsign badge, and get ready to celebrate the legacy of the hams who made this all possible. The ham event of the year is calling... Are you in?
➡️ Headed to Hamvention®? Celebrate the legacy with gear that gets you on the air fast—the AT-D168UV Hamfest Special is perfect for new hams ready to dive in, no stress required!
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