When most amateur radio enthusiasts think of the word “hamfest,” images of Dayton Hamvention®, Orlando HamCation, Huntsville Hamfest, and other large events come to mind. It’s important that we don’t forget the smaller and more local events, though. While the larger shows are great for meeting up with your long-distance friends, smaller hamfests can introduce you to hams (of all ages, but even young hams!) who you can add to your network and see without having to travel very far.
Attending smaller hamfests in neighboring cities has led me to meet quite a few young hams, many of whom I recognized from larger gatherings but also a few I had never met before. I’ve been able to form many relationships with these hams. It’s incredibly rewarding because having amateur radio acquaintances close by lets you build a community that can enjoy the hobby together at local club gatherings and during operating events like ARRL Field Day.
While most local hamfests don’t have youth lounges or youth forums, they still have quite a bit to offer. One of the most valuable opportunities is the licensing exam session that typically takes place during these events. Much of the time, a local club or two will come together and host an exam session for anyone looking to get their license or upgrade. (Pro Tip: Sometimes you can convince your parents to get licensed at these sessions. My dad passed his Technician exam at one of our local hamfests after a week or two of studying.)
Swap meets are another valuable opportunity at smaller hamfests. As a young ham, I understand the financial limits that not yet having a salary can impose. Purchasing used gear from swap meets is a great way to overcome these limitations and get on the air! You don’t need a state-of-the-art station to make some contacts. Plus, purchasing gear from a swap meet has advantages over purchasing it used online or even buying new gear.
Ordering used equipment from online sites is a good option if getting to a hamfest swap meet is challenging. Buying in person, though, gives you the advantage of being able to test it. Additionally, if you buy used gear from a swap, many of the sellers are happy to give discounts to young people, as well as tips and tricks specific to the radio or antenna.
Regarding tips and tricks, going to smaller hamfests also lets you get to know your local amateur radio community and find an Elmer in your area. While there really are no limits on how close or far away your Elmer should live, having someone to help you set up your station, troubleshoot, or chat with on the local repeater can be immensely helpful. It’s something you simply can’t get with an Elmer who lives farther away.
While it’s possible to find an Elmer at these events, they probably won’t just find you in the crowd, which leads me to a few tips for how to make the absolute most out of a smaller local hamfest:
- Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Amateur radio is one of the best places to work on this skill since the community is so supportive. Learning how to introduce yourself and ask for an opportunity is an important life skill, anyway.
- Be mentally present as much as possible. You have the potential to learn something during conversations, at club/booth visits, during demonstrations and forums, and just about any other situation. Amateur radio is the perfect hobby for learning, and the best way to do that is to actively interact with your environment every chance you get.
- Make a plan before showing up to the event, especially if you want to take an exam or meet with someone specific. Know the details of when and where the exam session is, or where to meet someone if you want to have a conversation. Your plan can also be to just go with the flow, but it’s still good to consider your agenda beforehand.
While smaller hamfests may not have the international appeal, endless lists of programming, and a huge number of attendees, they possess something equally important: community and opportunity. I can confidently say as a young ham that I would love to see more of my peers attending local hamfests and building a community. If you’ve never attended a small hamfest before, I highly recommend it—you may be surprised by all that it has to offer!
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