What else is happening at the Convention?

Photo montage from the RSGB 2024 Convention

As well as an action-packed programme with over 50 presentations and three workshops to enjoy, there are a host of other activities you can take part in.

Two activities to choose from at the RSGB National Radio Centre

This year we have two activities for you to choose from starting at 2.30pm on Friday 10 October at the RSGB National Radio Centre:

  • A private tour of Bletchley Park has been arranged especially for Convention attendees

  • Attend an informal talk with RSGB National Radio Centre (NRC) volunteer Patrick, 2E0IFB on getting started using low earth orbiting satellites. This will include a demonstration, ranging from the simplest of equipment through to the fully automated tracking system that is operational at the NRC

It is recommended that visitors arrive at the Centre early to ensure you have plenty of time to park, get any refreshments and visit the RSGB National Radio Centre before the tour and talk.

Remember to bring a copy of your licence with you for an opportunity to operate the NRC’s state-of-the-art GB3RS amateur radio station. Admission to the NRC and Bletchley Park is free to RSGB members – don’t forget to download your free-entry voucher.

Welcome desk for first-time or solo attendees

Image of a coffee cup

This year we are introducing a ‘Welcome desk’ primarily for first-time or solo attendees to make the event as friendly as possible, but anyone can come and say hello!

The desk will be in the bar on the Friday evening from 18.30 to 19.30 and 20.00 to 21.00. A member of the RSGB HQ team, together with RSGB volunteers, will be on hand to greet you, make introductions with like-minded people, and act as a familiar face throughout the weekend should you need any help.

Gala Dinner / After-dinner speaker

The popular RSGB Convention Gala Dinner takes place on the Saturday evening. The formal three-course dinner includes wine, coffee and an after-dinner speech by Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs. This is a perfect opportunity to relax after a busy first day and share your experiences with like-minded people. Tickets sell fast and can be purchased on the main ticketing site.

Take a look at the menu for the Gala Dinner and other meals and start planning your choices now!

Activities

As well as the three workshops, you can get involved with other hands-on activities, including:

  • Getting on the air: If you can’t go a weekend without operating, don’t panic, we’ve got you covered. GB3HQ will be on the air during the Convention. You can either operate the call sign from the event or, if you are unable to attend, have a QSO with it from wherever you are!

  • A special 145 Alive Net hosted by GB3HQ. This will take place from 12-3pm on Saturday 11 October. You will be able to join the net or simply check in on the day, and all callers will be recorded in the log.

Special Interest Groups

One of the most interesting aspects of the Convention is the selection of Special Interest Groups that attend. They are all so full of enthusiasm for their own areas that it is difficult to leave the Convention without being inspired to pursue different areas of amateur radio. This is a great opportunity to catch many of them in one place.

RSGB DXpedition Fund raffle

Our team of ticket sellers are renowned for their enthusiasm and will be happy to provide you with as many tickets as you need. This year the star prizes are:

  • An Icom IC-705 transceiver (donated by Icom UK)

  • A Yaesu FT-891 transceiver (donated by Yaesu UK)

Thank you to the prize sponsors for making this possible.

AMSAT-UK Colloquium

AMSAT-UK is once again hosting its annual colloquium during the RSGB Convention weekend. The keynote speaker will be Patrick Wood, 2E0IFB BEng CEng FIET FRAeS, Visiting Professor, Cranfield University.

Patrick retired in 2025 after a distinguished 38-year career in the Aerospace, Defence, and Space sectors. He held key roles at Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, Airbus Defence and Space, and Lockheed Martin Space UK.

As an amateur radio operator, he also volunteers at the RSGB National Radio Centre and is working with the AMSAT-NA CubeSat Simulator to provide STEM outreach.

 Also included in its Colloquium are some fascinating sessions on:

  • A beginners’ guide to amateur satellites

  • SDR developments for CubeSats

  • Next gen Ham TV on the ISS

  • Challenges in deep space communications

You can see the full list of presentations on the RSGB Convention programme.