Attending Conventions

We're coming up on two big conventions in April and May: the Visalia DX Convention and the Dayton Hamvention. Later this summer comes the Pacific Northwest DX Convention and then the fall kicks off with the W9DXCC Convention in Chicago.Do you attend a convention in your area? Not a ham/swap fest, but a convention?Conventions often will have things to buy and sell, but more often, they are noted for having programs on specific things oriented to the ham operator.And just because it says that it is a "DX" Convention, don't think that contesters won't be there as well. Contesters often go on DXpeditions just to operate in a contest and many DX'ers are also contesting.It's also a great opportunity to meet up with people you have worked on the air or converse with in ham radio e-mail reflectors. Or hams that also have blogs!Conventions offer a great way to stay connected with the leading edge of the hobby through seeing the programs, checking out the latest from the vendors, and catching up with on-air friends."Eyeball" QSO's count and a convention is a great way to have them.And if you are a contester, don't forget to sign up for the Friday night Contest Dinner at Visalia and hear Wayne Burdick, N6KR, co-founder of Elecraft and principal designer of the Elecraft K3, speak on "Contest Ergonomics and the Elecraft K3." You can sign up here.Scot