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True fact: I know at least two hams named "Ken L.".... I wasn't feeling the love to drive that far for what ... be in a room that will most likely smell like a kennel of wet dogs.
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True fact: I know at least two hams named "Ken L.".... I wasn't feeling the love to drive that far for what ... be in a room that will most likely smell like a kennel of wet dogs.
I'll be skipping it.
(Except for the canceled boot campI was there this afternoon. I have never been before. So, I didn't know what to expect.
Probably not a bad idea. I don't feel you'll be missing much.
I was there this afternoon. I have never been before. So, I didn't know what to expect. I'm not sure whether it was because of Friday or what, but it was lame. There were very few tables set up. My observation is that the ballroom is somewhat small and would not hold too many vendors anyway. The one thing I went there for (boot camp) was cancelled. Apparently, I did not get the email.
I expected to see equipment (factory) vendors. Not one was set up and I'm not sure that this is normal. There were a couple dozen flee market vendors outside in the lot. A fair amount of it was non-ham related stuff. I'd say the flee market area was ⅓ capacity.
Although the website noted noon-5:00 hours for Friday, it was clear to me that Friday is simply a set-up day. My expectations were for something much larger.
(Except for the canceled boot camp), that's about what I'd expect for a Friday.
Saturday ought to be the big day.
I wouldn't read too much into a slow Friday. Friday's were always slow at the old Boxboro location as well. Saturday was always the big day with Sunday a close second.
At least a few?Could anyone confirm whether equipment manufacturers are normally there displaying the latest models?
Yaesu/Icom/Kenwood don't even sell radios retail at Hamvention -If so, do they offer compelling discounts?
You are correct. HRO should be there and selling product, some things may be discounted. A few other retailers as well.At least a few?
Yaesu/Icom/Kenwood don't even sell radios retail at Hamvention -
just a fondling/literature space.
I remember the Icom booth at Boxboro ca. 2018,
and I don't think they were selling anything either.
It's the brick-and-mortar retailers that may have some deals.
Some deals - I never recall a retailer having across-the-board show discounts.
Stop me if I'm wrong, guys.
Good catch; thanks.The bottom of the page lists these vendors.
The bottom of the page lists these vendors.
Home | Northeast HamXposition
HamXposition ARRL New England Amateur Radio convention is the premier convention for hams in New England, occuring early September in Boxborough, Massachusettshamxposition.org
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Yeah, I think the Deerfield Nearfester is in another three or four weeks. It should be interesting to see how that goes. Unfortunately I won't be making these any more as I will in Missouri for good by then.I'm getting mixed feedback from my ham friends and groups. Some are going. Some past regular attendees are not (afraid of covid). I expect this will translate into lower attendance and a reduction in displays.
I am personally not going because the face diaper requirement is in effect.
You probably won't see a real convention until this covid nonsense blows over completely.
They are from California after all...because they have stores all across the US, I'm sure they have to walk a pretty tight rope. I do know that after working for them for over 8 years, while the original owner was fairly conservative (the late Bob Ferrrero), that only went so far. Bob passed a few years ago and his son Robert, took over the helm. He is not nearly as conservative as his dad was, if at all.I was told by Mike that HRO is paranoid about COVID, that the lost a few long time employees to COVID, and the also canceled for another much larger convention.
This means that there is almost no chance that HRO will be at Near-Fest.