As more in-person Hamfests are being cancelled this year, DX Engineering continues to look for ways to help fellow operators get more out of Amateur Radio without the need to make “eyeball” QSOs.
DX Engineering announced that it will be a Gold Sponsor of the first “QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo,” which will run continuously for 48 hours from August 8 to 9, 2020 (if you’re in the Eastern Time Zone, the event actually opens at 8:45 pm, August 7, EDT. You’ll find time schedules and a lot more at the event’s website.
Attendees will also be able to access all speaker presentations and exhibitor booth content for 30 days after the expo by simply returning to the expo site.
Anyone can attend this free event from their home or office using their desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. DX Engineering joins Icom, the show’s Platinum Sponsor, along with experts and exhibitors from around the world who will be sharing their knowledge, doing product demos, answering questions, and engaging with visitors through video, audio, or chat. Participants can also interact with other attendees in “break out” rooms to discuss topics such as DXing, Contesting, and Digital Modes.
A Virtual Exhibit Hall made up of Amateur Radio suppliers, including DX Engineering, will allow Hams to select the “booths” they wish to visit and then interact directly with staff through video, audio, or text messaging. The expo will be using a virtual reality platform commonly employed by universities and major companies.
Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, host of the QSO Today Amateur Radio podcast, and his team have assembled noted Ham Radio mentors who will be addressing visitors from the event’s virtual “auditorium.” Special conference rooms will enable attendees to listen and respond to presentations on more than 70 topics including:
- Ned Stearns, AA7A—FT8 DXpedition Mode
- Hans Summers, G0UPL—QSX Structure and Design
- Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ—Getting on the Microwave Bands
- John Portune, W6NBC, The Slot Antenna, Undiscovered Country for Most Hams
Find the full list of presenters here.
Sponsoring the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is just one of DX Engineering’s efforts to reach amateur operators online, including weekly Facebook Live interviews and discussions, the first DX Engineering Virtual New Products Showcase, 2020 Contest University, and the DXE Virtual Hamfest/DX Academy held earlier this month.
“Giving back to the Ham Radio community is important at DX Engineering, and we know how hard this time has been on a lot of our friends,” said Tim Duffy, K3LR, DX Engineering Chief Executive Officer. “Fortunately, events like these can still bring us together to exchange ideas about the hobby we love.”
For more details and to register for the free QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, click here.
