Dayton Hamvention 2005 was held on the weekend of the 20th through the 22nd of May, 2005. Although the Hamvention is over and it was a great success for AMSAT and many fond memories remain. In addition to a new AMSAT banner declaring the theme "We ARE Rocket Scientists" AMSAT rolled out a new burgundy hat and shirt, a new gray golf shirt and white t-shirt. We also started our campaign for Eagle with the slogan "Help Hatch Eagle".

Gould WA4SXM, Ed K9EK and Ed N8NUY!  Photo courtesy Steve K8UD

On Thursday night over 70 hams interested in satellites attended the AMSAT Pizza n' Suds event. As always, it was a great time to sit back and talk to old friends and plan for the next few days at Hamvention. (More pictures from Pizza & Suds)

The AMSAT booth had an excellent year. Sales of books, shirts and other AMSAT items were strong though out the weekend. On Friday morning former astronaut Tony England visited the AMSAT booth and had a chance to meet many of the booth workers and AMSAT members. AMSAT members owe a great -thank you - to all of the Dayton volunteers who worked at the booth during Hamvention 2005.

Astronaut Tony England WØORE Photo courtesy Tom W3IWI

On Friday evening the AMSAT banquet at the Amber Rose was a great success. Many felt it was the best banquet ever. It was a near sell out with 84 members in attendance. Former astronaut Tony England gave an impressive talk on how knowledge gained from ham radio helped him several times during his career with NASA as an astronaut. Rick Hambly also spoke about AMSAT and our future satellite programs.

On Saturday morning the AMSAT forum at the Hamvention was crowded as usual. We had four excellent speakers who talked about the future of the amateur radio satellites. AMSAT Treasurer Gunther Meisse, W4GSM video recorded the AMSAT forum and Dr. Tony England speech on Friday night. There may still be an opportunity for those who missed Hamvention 2005 to see these events. You can see the presentations online.

Tom W3IWI has posted a gallery of Dayton Photos.

Thanks to all who attended AMSAT parties and the booth at Hamvention 2005. Thank you for the support to AMSAT for those who joined as new members or renewed their membership at the booth. A special thanks to all who worked to make the AMSAT effort at Hamvention 2005 a great success!