We had a great time at Hamvention 2026, catching up with folks from the community and meeting many new faces along the way. Throughout the weekend, we welcomed a steady stream of visitors to the ARDC booth to learn more about our programs and initiatives, and of course to check out the VT-102!

Our Friday forum (begins at the ~6h mark) brought together a group of ~ 50 attendees interested in hearing updates on 44Net, such as our latest 44Net Connect technology, and learning more about the work of our grantees from AMSAT, ARISS, and DLARC. It was a great opportunity to share what’s been happening across the ARDC community and highlight the projects driving innovation in amateur radio and digital communications.

Here are some of the highlights we captured from our time in Xenia:

Grants & Administrative Associate Adam Zimmel W0ZML speaking to booth visitors about the VT-102 running on 44Net Connect

Executive Director Rosy Schechter KJ7RYV with the HamSCI team at their booth

Jason Johnston KC5HWB (Ham Radio 2.0, Left) interviews 44Net Program Manager John Burwell KI5QKX about 44Net Connect

ARDC Scholarship recipient Tyler Schroder NT1S stopping by the ARDC Booth

DLARC Curator Kay Savetz K6KJN speaking at the ARDC Forum

Rosy Schechter KJ7RYV and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) member Dennis Mojado AD6DM in the audience awaiting the ARISS Forum

ARDC Forum speakers Frank Karnauskas N1UW, AMSAT (Left) and Frank Bauer KA3HDO, ARISS before their talk

ARDC Staff and Volunteers and folks from the ARISS Team at the ARDC Meetup Dinner

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and spent time with us. We enjoyed connecting with you. 73!