Upward of 7 dozen vendors and exhibitors already are planning to be on hand for the ARRL National Centennial Convention in mid-July. Convention activities begin on Thursday, July 17. The 60,000 square feet exhibit hall will be open all day Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, for what promises to be the largest gathering of its kind in the Northeast.

“We’re very excited that so many of our QST advertisers, business partners, fellow societies, and radio clubs from around the country and the world will be coming to Connecticut for the Centennial Convention and to help the League celebrate its 100th birthday,” said ARRL Business Services Manager Deb Jahnke, K1DAJ. “It’s going to be quite a show!”

It's anticipated that some vendors may offer “show specials” during the 2 days the spacious exhibit hall is open. In addition, there will be two major prize drawings. The ARRL and R&L Electronics will co-sponsor a drawing for a $5000 grand prize gift certificate, and ARRL and FlexRadio will co-sponsor a drawing for a $2500 gift certificate. “The certificates will be redeemable at the co-sponsors’ respective establishments,” Jahnke explained.

Winners will be drawn from eligible registrants at the end of the convention on Saturday, July 19. The winners do not need to be present during the drawings.

The exhibit hall also will be the place to network with other ARRL members and friends. Conventioneers from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries have already registered. Those attending the convention also will want to visit the large ARRL exhibit area, featuring program representatives, officials, and a store full of the latest ARRL publications and membership gear.

Thousands of League members and friends are expected to gather in Hartford, ARRL’s birthplace, to celebrate the organization’s first 100 years of members “Advancing the Art and Science of Radio.” Register now to be among them!