SMC Fest
SMC Fest is a sanctioned ARRL Operating Specialty Convention.
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 24, 2019
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 $115 per night. We have the allotment of 40 rooms on the 23rd and 10 on the 24th. We can adjust if we need more but the sooner you register that better off SMC is.
Hyatt Place Room reservations Group Code G-SMC9
For more chat time, plan on arriving Friday and bring your spouse. We have an upstairs banquet 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 5:30 pm to 9 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 $40. Click on the link to register. 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, K9CS and WS9V.
Program:
Brian, N9ADG (Editor of ARRL Contest Update) will present on Sweepstakes and also his role in Contest Update – 50 minutes
Wyatt, AC0RA will present on VHF Contesting and his experiences roving. He is just now completing a very successful Gridpedtion for ARRL VHF to rare grids. – 50 minutes
Bart, W9JJ ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager – ARRL Contest update…50 minutes
Randy, NA9RB Lightning protection in the shack 20 minutes
Gary, W9XT Maximizing your Part Time scores – 20 minutes
Jim, N9JF QSO Party mobile operations – 20 minutes
CJ, WT2P SO2R from a City Lot – 30 minutes
We will also have a short session with the ARRL officials in attendance to announce contest winners and awards. K9CT will also address current CAC activities.
| Tentative Agenda for the 2019 SMC Fest | |||
| 8:00 | 8:30 | On Site Registration | Jerry, WB9Z and Val, NV9L |
| 8:30 | 8:45 | Opening remarks and recognition | Craig, K9CT |
| 8:45 | 9:45 | How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Sweepstakes | Brian, N9ADG |
| 9:45 | 10:15 | Group picture and Break | |
| 10:15 | 10:45 | Lightning Protection in the shack | Randy, NA9RB |
| 10:45 | 12:00 | VHF Contest Roving and Gridpeditioning | Wyatt, AC0RA |
| 12:00 | 13:00 | Lunch and social networking | |
| 13:00 | 13:30 | ARRL Contest News and Awards plus CAC update | W9XA, K9LA, K9CT and AD9I |
| 13:30 | 14:10 | SO2R from a City Lot | CJ, WT2P |
| 14:10 | 14:45 | QSO Party Mobile Operation | Jim, N9JF |
| 14:45 | 15:15 | Break | |
| 15:15 | 16:00 | Maximizing Your Part Time Scores | Gary, W9XT |
| 16:00 | 17:00 | ARRL Contest Update | Bart, W9JJ |
| 17:00 | Final Comments and Adjourn | Craig, K9CT |
Lunch will be buffet style and tentatively 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….
Grand Prize: SteppIR 80m CrankIR w/ 9’ 6” stand and stand travel bag. Thanks to SteppIR for providing this again this year!
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 and a new Starbucks!
