This appeared recently on the Ham-Com website:
It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter about the future of Ham-Com. After 41 years, Ham-Com has decided to close its doors in lieu of the restrictions in place for COVID-19 and the rising costs of putting on a show. The decision was not made lightly, but the safety and wellness of our volunteers, vendors, clubs, presenters, and attendees is our paramount concern.
We sincerely thank each and every person for their support over the past years. This starts with clubs who have participated in offering forums, transmitter sessions, VE sessions, talk-ins, and many more things through the years. Next, to the commercial and flea market vendors who have helped new hams get their first radio to established hams who are building the ultimate ham shack, we thank you for returning year over year. To the volunteer staff, functional directors, and access control, your dedication and hard work have contributed to the continued success of the show for 41 years. Finally, to our attendees. Without you, there is no show. Over 41 years, we have met a variety of people with one common passion, amateur radio. Ham-Com is proud to contribute to bringing people together to enjoy this passion. We will definitely miss this gathering of the broader community.
Our thoughts and best wishes to you and your families and “see you on-the-air”.
73
Bill Nelson
President of Ham-Com Inc
I never had the opportunity to go to Ham-Com, but by all accounts, it was a great show, and it’s been on my list of things to do. So, it’s a shame that it’s closing its doors. It’s totally understandable, though. It’s run completely by volunteers, and like the rest of us they’re not getting any younger. Two cancellations in a row took its toll.
Their history page says, “It all began in 1977 when a small group of hams met to discuss the possibility of reinventing an Amateur Radio gathering that had been held in the Dallas area.” Perhaps we can look forward to another group resurrecting Ham-Com at some point.
Dave, W5DMT says
I think they had been floundering for years. I miss the days of when it was in Arlington. Seemed much better attended. The sad truth is, people stopped going to big hamfests to buy new gear, they went, looked and then mail ordered it. I suspect that we may lose Orlando and Dayton next.