My First Hamfest: Pixels, Plugs, and POTA at the Huntsville Hamfest

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been following The Ham Radio Lab, you know that I’m relatively new to the amateur radio world. I’ve been licensed since 2022 and currently hold my General Class license. Coming from a lifetime career in the technology sector, I’m no stranger to massive tech expos, enterprise conferences, and crowded convention floors. But until recently, I had never actually stepped foot into a Hamfest.

That changed when I packed up and headed over to Alabama for the Huntsville Hamfest (the absolute gold standard of regional hamfests). Officially, the event page is at Huntsville Hamfest. If you’re a new ham—or someone sitting on the fence about getting your license—let me tell you: you need to get out to one of these events. Here is what it’s like to experience your first major hamfest through the eyes of a tech guy and a new General operator.

Hamfest on The Ham Radio Lab

My First Hamfest: Pixels, Plugs, and POTA at the Huntsville Hamfest