Dayton Hamvention


The Dayton Hamvention is one of the two largest amateur radio convention in the world. It is held each May in the Dayton, Ohio area and draws attendees from various parts of the world. Since 2017, it has been held at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio near Dayton. Prior to this it was held each May at the Hara Arena in Trotwood, Ohio.
The first Hamvention occurred on March 22, 1952 at the Biltmore Hotel in Dayton.
Hara Arena had been the home of Dayton Hamvention since 1964. The Hara Arena announced its closure in 2016 with the 2017 Hamvention being forced to move as a result.
The Hamvention offers forums, exhibit space and a flea market draws around 20,000. Most of the major amateur equipment manufacturers take part as exhibitors in this show and put their newly announced products to display. Also small companies and amateurs themselves open booths to display their products including homebrew equipment. Besides other activities Hamvention holds Radio Amateur licence exams for newcomer HAM's and for HAM's whom want to upgrade their current licence levels.
The 2020 Dayton Hamvention was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first cancellation in the 68-year history of the event.