Mitch Stern W1SJ joins Q5 to walk through everything you need to know about HAM-CON 2026 — The Vermont Ham Radio Convention, happening Saturday, February 28 at the Hampton Convention Center in Colchester, Vermont and online at HAM-CON.org. This is not an interview. This is Mitch laying out the full plan: 46 years of hamfests in the North Country, a packed indoor flea market, eight forums running all morning, major door prizes including a Yaesu FTM-150R and VX-6R, a youth raffle, VE sessions, FCC commercial exams, QSL card checking, and the return of the W1V Special Event Station. Can’t travel? No problem. Mitch explains how you can buy an admission ticket in advance and attend remotely, with full online access to the forums and activities. Whether you’re in Vermont, across the U.S., or anywhere in the world, you can participate. Sponsored by the Radio Amateurs of Northern Vermont, HAM-CON runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM (early admission at 6:00 AM), with advance pricing available through February 14. If you’re planning to attend in person, remember: enter through Door C at the back of the complex — not the front of the Hampton Inn. If you care about learning something new, connecting with other operators, finding gear treasures, or supporting one of the longest-running small conventions in the country, Mitch makes a strong case: be there — in person or online. Visit www.ham-con.org. 73 and see you at HAM-CON.
