The Dayton Amateur Radio Association reported yesterday that they have signed a 5-year agreement to keep the Dayton Hamvention at the Greene County Expo Center. According to Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT,Hamvention General Chairman, “It has been a wonderful experience working with the Expo Center team in the development of this agreement. With the 5-year agreement signed, the Expo Center and Hamvention can move forward with additional enhancements to the facilities.”
Dayton Amateur Radio Association President Ron Cramer noted, “The relationship with the Expo Center and Greene County, the City of Xenia and Xenia Township has proven especially rewarding. They all have worked hard to make Hamvention a success over the last three years. We look forward to a great relationship over the next five years and beyond.
Hamvention 2019 attendance was 32,472, highest recorded since the move to the ExpositionCenter in Xenia in 2017 which was coordinated by Cramer, who was Hamvention General Chairman in 2017 and 18.
Hamvention, the world’s largest ham radio show, is held the third full weekend in May. The dates for 2020 are May 15, 16 and 17.
This is a good move, imho. Hamvention and the Expo Center do need to make “additional enhancements to the facilities,” though. I really feel sorry for the exhibitors in the tents, for example. Those are just not up to snuff. Also, a more permanent solution than the crushed asphalt paving in the flea market mud bowl would be a welcome addition.
I’ve also not been completely happy with the space they sold me for my one-day Tech class. It’s cramped and not really set up for teaching. It’s actually one of the worst spaces that I’ve ever taught in. As a result, I’m seriously considering not teaching there in 2020.
WO9B says
Good for DARA. All solutions have compromises, but this will give both parties a sense of permanence which they have lacked. Truth be told I really was hoping for a roving Hamvention: Cincinatti, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Iowa City….. I think however they have wisely rejected my “6-beer” dark horse favorite for this more practical solution. It will be good for everyone. Let’s see if a long term commitment to Green County results in capital upgrades that will add to the Wow factor/experience of the event.
And Dan, I’d be surprised if they do not address your digs concern.
Goody K3NG says
Except for the muddy flea market area, the exhibit buildings and tents that are better suited for livestock, the muddy parking area, and the clogged roads used to access the site, Xenia is a perfect location for Hamvention :-|