Historical Information Summary

2025, LIU-Post, Brookville, NY – Saturday, January 4, 2025

Keynote speaker: None 21 Forums with new forums: STEM, New way to learn CW, RF Transformers, Computer and microcontroller based radios, SDR for frequency observations, Advanced FT8. Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Great South Bay ARC HRU 2025 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2025 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, Peter Portanova W2JV, Jim Mezey W2KFV, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Neil Heft KC2KY, Dennis Boyé AH2O, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX HRU 2025 Welcome Team: Kerry Fastenau KC2QXI, Jaci Fastenau KD2ENX, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Donna Reinhart KA2KZT, Adele Portanova WB2OQQ Suggested Donation: changes to $10, now through PayPal on the website and at the gate

2024, LIU-Post, Brookville, NY – Saturday, January 6, 2024

Keynote speaker: None 21 Forums with new forums: Practical Test Equipment, New way to learn CW, VSWR and Power Flow, 6-Meters and F2 propagation, MARS, SDR based transceivers, Solar Eclipse, VHF/UHF repeaters, Batteries for ham radio. Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Long Island Mobile ARC HRU 2024 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2024 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, Peter Portanova W2JV, Jim Mezey W2KFV, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Neil Heft KC2KY, Dennis Boyé AH2O, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX HRU 2024 Welcome Team: Kerry Fastenau KC2QXI, Jaci Fastenau KD2ENX, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Donna Reinhart KA2KZT, Adele Portanova WB2OQQ Suggested Donation: changes to $10, now through PayPal on the website and at the gate

2023, Virtual Event – Saturday, January 7, 2023

Keynote speaker: None 17 Forums – in 3 tracks, all presented virtually using GoToWebinar. Hands-on Workshops: None Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Long Island Mobile ARC HRU 2023 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU Founder and Honorary Chairman: Phil Lewis N2MUN (sk) HRU 2023 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, Peter Portanova W2JV, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Neil Heft KC2KY, Dennis Boyé AH2O, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX Suggested Donation: stays at $5, now through PayPal on the website

2022, Virtual Event – Saturday, January 8, 2022

Keynote speaker: None 18 Forums – in 3 tracks, all presented virtually using GoToWebinar. Hands-on Workshops: None Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Radio Central ARC, LIU / Post Radio Station WCWP HRU 2022 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU Founder and Honorary Chairman: Phil Lewis N2MUN (sk) HRU 2022 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, Peter Portanova W2JV, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Neil Heft KC2KY, Dennis Boyé AH2O, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX Suggested Donation: stays at $5, now through PayPal on the website

2021, Virtual Event – Saturday, January 9, 2021

Keynote speaker: None 15 Forums – all presented virtually using GoToWebinar. Hands-on Workshops: None Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Radio Central ARC, LIU / Post Radio Station WCWP HRU 2021 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU Founder and Honorary Chairman: Phil Lewis N2MUN (sk) HRU 2021 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Neil Heft KC2KY, Dennis Boyé AH2O, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX Suggested Donation: stays at $5, now through PayPal on the website

2020, LIU-Post, Brookville, NY – Saturday, January 4, 2020

Keynote speaker: Kris Bickell, K1BIC, ARRL Lifelong Learning Manager 30 Forums with new forums: Typical HF Antenna Installations, Zooming into CW online, Antenna Power Flow and SWR, Overview of Ham Radio Logging Programs. Hands-on Workshops: 1. Cable Theory / RF Connectors, 2. Ethernet Connectors, 3. Test Equipment 1, 4. Test Equipment 2. Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Radio Central ARC, LIU / Post Radio Station WCWP HRU 2020 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2020 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Dennis Boyé AH2O, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX HRU 2020 Welcome Team: Kerry Fastenau KC2QXI, Jaci Fastenau KD2ENX, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Donna Reinhart KA2KZT, Adele Portanova WB2OQQ

2019, LIU-Post, Brookville, NY – Saturday, January 5, 2019

Keynote speaker: Howard Michel WB2ITX, New ARRL Chief Executive Officer 30 Forums with new forums: All things Digital VHF and above, Skywarn overview, Raspberry Pi applications, Kit Building. Hands-on Workshops: 1. Cable Theory / RF Connectors, 2. Ethernet Connectors, 3. Test Equipment. Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Radio Central ARC, LIU / Post Radio Station WCWP HRU 2019 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2019 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX

2018, LIU-Post, Brookville, NY – Saturday, January 6, 2018

Keynote speaker: Mike Lisenco N2YBB, ARRL Hudson Division Director 30 Forums with new forums: Ham Radio Apps, Social Media and Internet Groups; VHF/UHF Operating; Radio Broadcasting at LIU Post radio station WCWP; YL Forum; RFI Mitigation strategies and more! Hands-on Workshops: 1. Cable Theory / RF Connectors, 2. Ethernet Connectors. Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Radio Central ARC, LIU / Post Radio Station WCWP HRU 2018 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2018 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Lance Aue KA2EJD (sk), Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX

2017, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 8, 2017

Keynote speaker: Tom Gallagher NY2RF, ARRL Chief Executive Officer 30 Forums with new forums: Skywarn, National Parks on the Air, MARS, Safety in the ham shack, Kid’s World, Fun with CW! Hands-on Workshops: 1. Cable Theory / RF Connectors, 2. Ethernet Connectors. Sponsoring Clubs: Long Island Mobile ARC HRU 2017 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2017 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Lance Aue KA2EJD (sk), Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Rich Rosner N2STU, Nancy Rosner N2TKA, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX Suggested Donation: changes to $5

2016, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 10, 2016

Keynote speaker: Dave Sumner K1ZZ, ARRL Chief Executive Officer 30 Forums with new forums: DMR, Software Defined Radios, Contesting for newcomers and non-contesters, Ham Radio Resources, Basics of HF operating, An introductory guide to VHF/UHF operating! Hands-on Workshops: 1. Cable Theory / RF Connectors, 2. Ethernet Connectors, 3. Understanding and Using Test Equipment Sponsoring Clubs: Ham Radio University ARC, Great South Bay ARC HRU 2016 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2016 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Lance Aue KA2EJD, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Rich Rosner N2STU, Nancy Rosner N2TKA, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX

2015, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 4, 2015

Keynote speaker: Mike Corey KI1U, ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager 30 Forums with new forums: Ham APs for mobile devices, Antenna modeling, Building your first ham station, Small HF Loop Antennas, MESH Networks, Basic IRLP, Nikola Tesla and the Wardenclyffe laboratory, LINUX for ham radio. Sponsoring Clubs: Great South Bay ARC HRU 2015 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2015 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Lance Aue KA2EJD, Mel Granick KS2G, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Rich Rosner N2STU, Nancy Rosner N2TKA, Mike Lisenco N2YBB, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX

2014, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 5, 2014

Keynote speaker: Mike Lisenco N2YBB, ARRL Hudson Division Director 28 Forums with new forums: World Radiosport Team Championship, Antique Radios, LINUX and Ham Radio, Emergency Power. Sponsoring Clubs: Great South Bay ARC HRU 2014 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2014 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Lance Aue KA2EJD, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Rich Rosner N2STU, Nancy Rosner N2TKA, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Mike Lisenco N2YBB

2013, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 6, 2013

Keynote speaker: Bill Cross W3TN, Staff member in the FCC’s Mobility Division — part of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau 25 Forums with new forums: Tips, Tricks and Techniques of the best operators, Echolink, Advanced Scanner Forum, Azores Nine Island Hunt – the other side of the pileup, Advanced D-STAR rasberry pi, LINUX and Ham Radio. Hands-on Workshops: 1. Connectors how to use and where do they go, 2. Digital Interfacing Sponsoring Clubs: Long Island Mobile ARC HRU 2013 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2013 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Lance Aue KA2EJD, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Rich Rosner N2STU, Nancy Rosner N2TKA, Jerry Abrams WB2ZEX, Richie Cetron K2KNB, Jim Mezey W2KFV

2012, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 8, 2012

Keynote speaker: Norm Fusaro W3IZ, ARRL Assistant Manager Member and Volunteer Programs 25 Forums with new forums: Advanced D-Star, IRLP, Meet your local radio clubs, Logbook of The World. Sponsoring Clubs: Kings County Repeater Association HRU 2012 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2012 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Gary Lindtner KB2BSL, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Lance Aue KA2EJD, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Art Altarac WA2KXE, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Rich Rosner N2STU, Nancy Rosner N2TKA, Mike Lisenco N2YBB

2011, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 9, 2011

Keynote speaker: Kay Craigie N3KN, ARRL President 25 Forums with new forums: Software Defined Radios, Emergency Power for your Home, Remote Station Operation, World Radiosport Team Championship, Ham Radio Deluxe, HF Digital Modes, The Haiti Experience, Intro to NTS. Sponsoring Clubs: Kings County Repeater Association HRU 2011 Chairman: Tom Carrubba KA2D HRU 2011 Committee: Tom Carrubba KA2D, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Lance Aue KA2EJD, George Tranos N2GA, John Melfi W2HCB, Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil Lewis N2MUN

2010, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 10, 2010

Keynote speaker: Steve Ford WB8IMY, ARRL Editor QST 25 Forums with new forums: Antenna Modeling, Working Satellites with your HT, Digital Television, Basics of Communications Theory, and Young Ham forum. Sponsoring Clubs: Great South Bay ARC HRU 2010 Chairman: Neil Heft KC2KY HRU 2010 Committee: Neil Heft KC2KY, George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP, Lance Aue KA2EJD Suggested Donation: changes to $3

2009, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 11, 2009

Keynote speaker: Kay Craigie N3KN, ARRL First Vice-President 27 Forums with new forums: Story of Ham Radio Licensing, Home Weather Stations, HRU -what a decade, Red Cross, North to Alaska with ham radio, Packet radio for EmComm, mobile and portable operations and Skywarn Weather Spotter training. Sponsoring Clubs: Radio Central ARC HRU 2009 Chairman: Neil Heft KC2KY HRU 2009 Committee: Neil Heft KC2KY, George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Pat McAuliffe N2QXH, Lance Aue KA2EJD, Joe Mielko N2IMF, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP

2008, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 13, 2008

Keynote speaker: Gordon West WB6NOA 23 Forums with new forums: Young Hams, D-STAR, Join a club – join the fun, Radio Frequency Interference, Power supply technology, EMCOMM the next step and Advanced DXing techniques. Sponsoring Clubs: Radio Central ARC HRU 2008 Chairman: Neil Heft KC2KY HRU 2008 Committee: Neil Heft KC2KY, George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Pat McAuliffe N2QXH, Lance Aue KA2EJD, Joe Mielko N2IMF, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP

2007, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 7, 2007

Keynote speaker: Frank Fallon N2FF, ARRL Hudson Division Director 21 Forums with new forums: Young Hams, Public Relations, Evolution of Frequency Control, Fun with CW, Packet Radio, Magloop portable antennas, Contest DX’peditioning. Sponsoring Clubs: Radio Central ARC HRU 2007 Chairman: Neil Heft KC2KY HRU 2007 Committee: Neil Heft KC2KY, George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Pat McAuliffe N2QXH, Lance Aue KA2EJD, Pat Masterson KE2LJ, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP Suggested Donation: $2

2006, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 8, 2006

Keynote speaker: Gordon West WB6NOA 27 Forums with new forums: Boating and ham radio, The US Coast Guard Auxiliary and more, VHF Propagation, Really Old-time Radio: The Spark gap Transmitter (with demo), World Radiosport Team Championships 2006 – the Olympics of Amateur Radio, Hurricane Katrina Relief – Amateur Radio Response, Both Way Radio Internet E-mail, Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network and Go-Boxes, Yankee Clipper Contest Club – Contest Station Extreme Makeover Edition. Sponsoring Clubs: Briarcliffe ARC HRU 2006 Chairman: George Tranos N2GA HRU 2006 Committee: George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Neil Heft KC2KY, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Pat McAuliffe N2QXH, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP, Lance Aue KA2EJD, Pat Masterson KE2LJ, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI

2005, Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, NY – Sunday, January 9, 2005

Keynote speaker: Riley Hollingsworth, FCC Enforcement Bureau 27 Forums with new forums: DX’ing from Albania, Repeater Coordination, Urban Ham Radio, Echolink, Soldering, Radio Go Kits, Winlink 2000, RF Safety, Mobiling, Computers & Ham Radio. Sponsoring Clubs: Long Island Mobile ARC HRU 2005 Chairman: George Tranos N2GA HRU 2005 Committee: George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Briggs Longbothum, Neil Heft KC2KY, Gail Sheehan K2RED, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Joe Mielko N2IMF, Daniel Reisman NY2L, Pat McAuliffe N2QXH, Sid Wolin K2LJH, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP, Lance Aue KA2EJD, John Nistico NY6DX, Pat Masterson KE2LJ, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI

2004, Eastwoods School, Oyster Bay, NY – Sunday, January 18, 2004

Keynote speaker: Unknown 27 Forums with new forums: Special seminar presented by the ARRL explaining the different on-line educational courses that are now available. They include Emergency Communications, Antenna Modeling, HF Digital Communications, Beyond Repeaters, RFI. Sponsoring Clubs: Long Island Mobile ARC HRU 2004 Chairman: George Tranos N2GA HRU 2004 Committee: George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Briggs Longbothum, Neil Heft KC2KY, Gail Sheehan K2RED, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Joe Mielko N2IMF, Daniel Reisman NY2L, Pat McAuliffe N2QXH, Sid Wolin K2LJH, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP, Lance Aue KA2EJD, John Nistico NY6DX, Pat Masterson KE2LJ, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI

2003, Eastwoods School, Oyster Bay, NY – Sunday, January 17

Keynote speaker: Gordon West WB6NOA 24 Forums with new forums: 4 lecture “tracks”: DX, & Contesting, Antennas, Digital, and Newcomers. KS2G is moderated six presenters in the DX/contesting forum. N2GA will be participated in the forum discussing SO2R and K2DO discussed contesting from the YL perspective. Sponsoring Clubs: Great South Bay ARC HRU 2003 Chairman: George Tranos N2GA HRU 2003 Committee: George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Neil Heft KC2KY, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP, Lance Aue KA2EJD, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI

2002, Babylon Town Hall Annex, North Babylon, NY – Sunday, January 20, 2002

Keynote speaker: George Tranos N2GA, ARRL Section Manager NYC/LI 19 Forums with new forums: Skywarn / Severe Weather, Debunking Antenna Myths, Emergency antennas and power, Learn about HF Digital Modes including PSK31, Low Power Communications fun, All about QSLing, How to work Phase 3D and other amateur radio satellites, Tips and Techniques on how to build your next radio, Help in your tower installation and approval process, Learn about the fascinating 50 MHz “magic” ham band, Disaster Communications – The “Real” Thing. Sponsoring Clubs: Great South Bay ARC HRU 2002 Chairman: Phil Lewis N2MUN HRU 2002 Committee: Phil Lewis N2MUN, George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Neil Heft KC2KY, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Bill Schiebel N2NFI, Stan Coffield N2NKI, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI

2001, Babylon Town Hall Annex, North Babylon, NY – Sunday, January 21, 2001

Keynote speaker: None 15 Forums with new forums: DXing, Packet, Introduction to Ham Radio, SWR Myths, Contesting, APRS, Handi Talkies, Find & Fix RFI, Antennas, HF Digital Modes, Purchasing Equipment, QRP & Portable Antennas, Satellite, Practical tips on antennas, Kit Building, Ask the experts and a Spark Gap demonstration! Sponsoring Clubs: Great South Bay ARC HRU 2001 Chairman: Phil Lewis N2MUN HRU 2001 Committee: George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Phil Lewis N2MUN, Briggs Longbothum, Neil Heft KC2KY, Gail Sheehan K2RED, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Joe Mielko N2IMF, Daniel Reisman NY2L, Pat McAuliffe N2QXH, Sid Wolin K2LJH, Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP, Lance Aue KA2EJD, John Nistico NY6DX, Pat Masterson KE2LJ, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI

2000, Babylon Town Hall Annex, North Babylon, NY – Sunday, January 23, 2000

Keynote speaker: None 15 Forums with new forums: Packet radio, APRS, DXing, contesting, QRP, kit building, Amateur Radio license restructuring, VE session served 55 people! Sponsoring Clubs: Great South Bay ARC HRU 2000 Chairman: Phil Lewis N2MUN HRU 2000 Committee: Phil Lewis N2MUN, George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO, Tom Carrubba KA2D, Pete Maxwell N2GBM, Marty Miller NN2C, Walter Wenzel KA2RGI

HRU – the beginning

A new type of event was held on Sunday, January 23, 2000, on Long Island, NY. Dubbed “Ham Radio University 2000″ or HRU 2000, it was a day of technical education with 15 forums about different aspects of amateur radio. According to Phil Lewis N2MUN, HRU 2000 chairman, its goal was to encourage inactive hams to become reinvolved with the hobby. “We wanted to energize the hams on Long Island and let them know the fun they were missing” said Lewis of Lindenhurst, New York.
The idea started in the summer of 1999 with Lewis as President of his home club, the Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club, involving ARRL NY City / Long Island Section Manager George Tranos N2GA, Assistant Section Manager and Section Emergency Coordinator Tom Carrubba KA2D, Public Information Coordinator Diane Ortiz K2DO, GSBARC Recording Secretary Pete Maxwell N2GBM and Long Island DX Association President Marty Miller NN2C. Lewis had invited participation from clubs throughout New York City and Long Island to participate but the first meeting consisted only of those five plus Lewis. Unsure of the possible outcome, this group brain stormed and formulated a plan out of Lewis’ original idea. A marketing strategy to target inactive hams dovetailed nicely with the goal of a day of education. Lewis said “We wanted to attract people who were turned off by hamfests where presentations were seen as a distraction and focus on the education aspect”.
This initial group grew as months of planning culminated with the actual event. Originally, the thought of appealing to a broader market – non-hams, schools, scouts, senior centers, etc. – was discussed but it was quickly realized that with no money and a small staff of volunteers it would be impossible. So a less lofty goal was chosen and others signed on as the event garnered publicity and spread by word-of-mouth. As each member of the committee was active in a radio club, a decision to include the clubs themselves was made. “Clubs contribute to hams’ enjoyment of the hobby, foster learning and comradery and provide activities which build upon education” according to Lewis.
After five committee meetings, a total of 19 different amateur radio clubs and organizations were recruited and set up information booths in one large room. It was here that most of the attendees eventually visited while waiting for one of the 15 forums to start, to gather information or to socialize. Three separate forum rooms were used at once and five separate sessions were held. The committee logically put related forums consecutively in one room – for example packet radio was followed by APRS, DXing was followed by contesting, QRP was followed by kit building. On average each forum attracted approximately 35 attendees and over 300 people passed through the gates.
Although not a money making venture, a $2 admission charge paid for expenses, including complementary coffee, tea and donuts, and a welcome letter, facility map and list of forums and moderators. Many obstacles were overcome to make this a success and at the top of the list was the recruitment of the volunteers. Many people donated their time to help set up, moderate the forums, make name badges, clean up, serve refreshments, man the front door and help out at the VE session.
Because of the timing of the Amateur Radio restructuring announcement, the VE session was so popular that it had to be moved out of a small classroom and into the cafeteria to accommodate the 55 examinees. The restructuring forum was popular as well and there were quite a few questions about upgrading possibilities.
Lewis said “HRU 2000 was successful beyond belief and calls and e-mail from around the country have flooded in with comments and congratulations”. Because of this success and the great feedback he has received Lewis said “the committee has already decided that next year the event will be even bigger”. Look for HRU 2001 on Long Island on Sunday, January 21, 2001, in North Babylon.