Colorado Hamcon 2003 Followup:

Hamcon 2003, the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention held May 30 - June 1 in Estes Park, is now in the history books. By all accounts, the gathering has secured a high position in the Amateur Radio history of our division. Read on, I think you'll see why...

The Estes Park Holiday Inn was the venue for this convention, the first of it's kind held here in Colorado in many years. The beautiful surroundings and wonderful weather set the stage for an unforgettable weekend for the 467 attendees. Lots of new friendships took root, faces and names were connected with call signs, and old friends had the chance to eyeball each other once again. We learned, we played and we networked, all for the betterment of the rich amateur radio heritage we're each privileged to be a part of.

It was hard to choose between the fantastic set of offered forums! Each grabbed our attention, and satisfied our thirst for knowledge, though it was impossible to attend them all. Such is the nature of any top-flight convention program! Enthusiastic and knowledgeable speakers, including ARRL HQ staff and field appointees, addressed a rich spectrum of engaging technical, educational and operational topics.

We learned about QTH selection, QRP, traffic handling, antennas, propagation, DXing, DXpeditions, contesting, microwave, HDTV, digital TV, fast-scan ham TV, the ISS and AO-40. We discussed important issues affecting our disabled hams, legislative issues, ARRL operations, ARES lessons learned, Colorado Search and Rescue, science and education, digital modes, APRS, digital radio, IRLP and even South Pole operations!

As perhaps one of the highlights of the convention, the Boulder Amateur Radio Club Juniors were in strong force as a vibrant group of 13, 14 and 15 year-olds lead a spirited session entitled "Kids: The Future of Amateur Radio." With young people like these involved, amateur radio has a bright future indeed!

VE sessions produced a number of fresh new licensees and upgrades. And several card checking activities resulted in new DXCC, WAS and VUCC awards. A hair-raising CW pileup contest, along with a joint-bending QLF contest (sending CW with one's left foot) and a midnight Wouff Hong ceremony contributed to the fun, as did the Sunday morning transmitter hunt. Many attendees had the chance to operate the legendary W1AW/0 station, and when propagation permitted, several had their first opportunity to be on the other end of a pileup!

More than 23 companies supported the convention through their exhibits and sales booths. Denver's HRO was there in force, and was of assistance with our purchase of the convention's grand prize. ACE-HF, Alpha Power, ICOM, PVC Antennas and US Tower were among the corporate exhibitors that also donated very substantial door prizes. US Tower even brought their brand new, custom made 18-wheeler flat-bed demo truck, used at Dayton 2003 for the first time. With the large United States flags flying high atop their towers, it was truly an inspirational landmark for the convention.

Door prizes worth many thousands of dollars were donated by more than 35 companies, clubs and individuals. Needless to say, there were lots of happy winners, and we are grateful for the wonderful support of these donors.

We were honored to have Jim Haynie, Wayne Mills, Rosalie White and Dan Miller from ARRL HQ in attendance for the weekend. We were moved by their calls to action, and were inspired by their infectious personal commitment to amateur radio. Many had opportunity for uninterrupted one-on-one time with each of them. A world-class event like this can't possibly come off without insightful planning and crisp execution. The convention committee did an absolutely outstanding job in all areas, so don't forget to let them know of your appreciation and support, along with any comments or suggestions you have for future conventions.

Jerry VerDuft, ADØA, General Chairman/Facilities
Joanie VerDuft, KCØGMI, Treasurer/Banquet
Bill Leahy, KØMP, Forums/Technical Sessions
Judy Hilton, KCØHVD, Secretary/Ladies Programs/Tours
Ed Hilton, KCØHUF, Supporting Member
Benjamin Baker, KBØUBZ, Security/Webmaster
George "Bud" Saum, KØGS, Registrations Chairman
Toni Saum, NØGVC, Registration
Dick Schnieder, ABØCD, Program Book/Publicity
Rick Brown, KØSU, Exhibits/Prizes
Timothy Armagost, WBØTUB, Wouff Hong
Eileen Armagost, WDØDGL, Supporting Member
Wes Wilson, KØHBZ, Special Events Station/VEC
Ron Taylor, KØHRT, Wouff Hong
Ron Klein, WØOSK, Talk-in Station
Jody Klien, NØAJB, Supporting Member
Greg Dunn, WØZA, DX/Contest Breakfast
Moe Pierce, WBØRTF, Supporting Member
Bill Pierce, KDØJU, Supporting Member
John Crawford, KBØVZI, Exhibits/Prizes
Daniel Meyer, NØPUF, Transmitter Hunt
Ted Cline, NØRQV, Talk-in Station
Rob Roller, N7LV, Certificates
Jeff Ryan, KØRM, Supporting Member
Walt Stinson, WØCP, Ex-officio Member

In the coming weeks, we'll be publishing a picture CD from the convention. When the CD is ready, www.hamconcolorado.com will contain all the instructions for how you can get your own copy. Don't miss out! Check www.hamconcolorado.com frequently!

73,

Steve Williams, KØSRW
Colorado Springs, CO

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