SMC Fest
This the place to be! First time attendee Scott, K2CUB/8 commented:
“I attended SMCfest last year for the first time. This is a first class Ham Radio gathering. I have attended many other DX conventions and other HR conventions in my travels. This one stands out as my favorite. Great accommodations, Friday dinner was an added bonus, great presenters covering a wide range of topics…..something of interest to all. And, one of the nicest groups of Hams you will meet anywhere….AND the most amazing set of prizes going. Yea, I am going this year and plan to make it a regular event on my HR calender. Best 73 Scott K2CUB/8”
Mark your calendar…Saturday August 25, 2018
Attendees List
SMC Fest will be hosted at the Hyatt Place, Normal IL
We have secured rooms for our group for both Friday and Saturday evening at $109 per night. We have the allotment for a short time and the sooner you can reserve to better so that we can adjust the count.
Hyatt Place Room Reservations….Special Group Code is G-SMC3
For more chat time plan on arriving Friday and bring your spouse. We have an outside restaurant area reserved at Medicis that is an easy one block walking distance from the hotel. Hotel charge includes parking at a parking deck across the street. Please let us know if you plan on joining everyone for dinner and drinks. We have the area reserved from 6 pm to 10 pm. The hotel will have additional staff prior and after our dinner for the bar area.
Lots of roads lead to SMC Fest
We will have an all day program that includes breaks and lunch package for $35. Registration form is at the bottom of this page (PayPal and Credit Card payments accepted). This is a must attend event for the avid contester. It is also a great time to visit with other members. ARRL card checking by K9LA and WS9V.
Agenda:
Confirmed speakers – K9WO, N4TZ, NN1N, W9RE, W9XT, K9AY, N4YDU and N0AX
| 8:00 | 8:30 | On Site Registration | |
| 8:30 | 8:45 | Opening remarks and recognition | K9CT |
| 8:45 | 9:30 | SMC Beginnings and VS6WO M/M | K9WO |
| 9:30 | 10:00 | ARRL W9XA – K9LA – AD9I – K9CT | |
| 10:00 | 10:15 | Group Photo Break | |
| 10:15 | 11:00 | Antenna Arrival Angles for Contesting | W9XT |
| 11:00 | 12:00 | Grounding and Bonding | N0AX |
| 12:00 | 13:00 | Buffet Lunch | |
| 13:00 | 13:45 | WRTC Competition | N4TZ |
| 13:45 | 14:30 | Receive Antennas | K9AY |
| 14:30 | 14:45 | Break | |
| 14:45 | 15:30 | Winning ARRL DX CW at TI7W | N4YDU |
| 15:30 | 16:15 | Contest changes and ARRL HQ experiences | NN1N |
| 16:15 | 17:00 | SO2R Discussion with NN1N and W9RE | K9CT |
| 17:00 | Closing remarks | K9CT |
Lunch menu:
Lunch will be buffet style and will be
Appetizers: Cheese Cube platter and Fruit Tray
Entrees: Roast Beef au Jus and Chicken Breast
Sides: Oven Roasted Red Potatoes, Green Beans and Seven Layer Salad
Dessert: Brownie Tray
Breaks – Coffee/soft drinks/water and cookies
Prizes….
Thanks to Val, NV9L and Brian, K9QQ
Door prizes from DXE, FlexRadio and more
Don’t want to pay via PayPal?
Send check to
ZIG MARKOWSKI, JR, KM9M
50 E EUREKA DR
LEMONT, IL 60439
The entire “uptown” Normal has been rebuilt in the last 10 years. There are plenty of shops within walking distance, and the Shops of College Hills outdoor mall is only 10 minutes away. The town will be bustling with activity because it is the first weekend of the semester for Illinois State University students. The Hyatt Place has a nice bar and breakfast area.
2018 SMC Fest Registration Form