Orlando HamCation® will host the 2016 ARRL National Convention in February. The convention will mark the 70th anniversary of HamCation — second only in the US to Dayton Hamvention® in terms of attendance. 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. HamCation has regularly served as the host for the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention, and in 2014 — the ARRL’s centennial — it was designated as one of the six regional centennial events. The publishedHamCation gate figure for 2015 was more than 14,000 forall 3 days.
HamCation will take place February 12-14 at the Central Florida Fair and Expo Park in Orlando. 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). Special event station K1AA will be set up and operating from the fairgrounds, and licensed attendees are invited to participate.
The focus of the League’s national convention will be ARRL EXPO — which will feature an array of ARRL exhibits and programs. The League also will sponsor several presentations and forums. On Saturday evening, the 2016 ARRL National Convention Banquet will take place at the nearby Highland Manor in Apopka, Florida. Banquet tickets, available from ARRL, are $60, including transportation from the fairgrounds and some nearby hotels.
The HamCation website provides information on how to obtain convention tickets, as well as information about forums, exhibits, examination sessions, and local accommodations, some offering special convention rates. Convention tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the gate, offering admission for all 3 days.
The fairgrounds can accommodate recreational vehicles within walking distance of the main exhibit buildings. A reservation form is available on the HamCation website.