RSGB 2026 Convention – Youth activities

This year’s Convention will include a wider range of youth-specific activities to engage more with younger radio amateurs. These are being arranged by the RSGB Youth Committee in tandem with the main Convention organising team.

Youth panel discussion

On Saturday at 1.45pm there will be a panel discussion on the future of amateur radio and the vital role that young people play in keeping the hobby vibrant, innovative and relevant for generations to come.

Youth forum

A youth forum is scheduled on Saturday between 3.40pm and 5.40pm. It will provide valuable networking opportunities and the chance to share experience and ideas. It will also include:

• Lightning talks

Four ten-minute youth-focused topics including:

• • A Youth Committee update and look ahead to next year

  • The RSGB Austria team and their experience at the YOTA summer camp

  • John Livesey, G0JJL from the Radio Communications Foundation on how it supports young amateurs

• Practical projects display

The RSGB Youth Committee is giving youth clubs, and individuals, the opportunity to display projects that they have built. You will be given a table to display your item(s) throughout the Youth Forum. If you’d like to exhibit or find out more details, please contact youth.chair@rsgb.org.uk and youth.vicechair@rsgb.org.uk 

Youth dinner

An informal dinner has been arranged for Saturday evening at Pizza Hut in Milton Keynes. If you would like to register your interest in attending, follow this link.

Come and meet the Youth Committee

Following last year’s success, the Youth Committee will again have a table in the SIG/committee room. Information will be available on the RSGB Youth Committee, youth activities and opportunities within amateur radio, and this year’s YOTA camp. Pop along and say hello!

Youth POTA activation

The RSGB Youth Parks on the Air (POTA) outing is planned for Sunday (time tbc), offering an opportunity for young amateurs to experience a POTA activation. Located just a short walk from the Kents Hill Park Conference Centre, the activation is ideal for those who have never taken part in POTA before.

With the support of fellow youth operators, you will have the chance to get on the air, make contacts, and gain hands-on experience of operating from a park. All equipment will be provided, making it an easy and enjoyable way to try something new, develop your operating skills, and have fun with other young radio amateurs. As with all outdoor radio activities, the activation is subject to suitable propagation and weather conditions, with a final decision being made on the day.

Free admission for under-21s

If you are under 21, you will receive free admission to the RSGB Convention. Tickets do not need to be pre-booked and are given on the day. If you’re under the age of 16 you will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please bring proof of age ID.

Aged 21 and over? Buy tickets here.

“The activities we have introduced aim to be fun, interesting and show young radio amateurs the benefits of being an RSGB member. It will give us the opportunity to show others what the RSGB is doing for youth in amateur radio” Vice-Chair of the RSGB Youth Committee Leon Shaw, M0VUF