Registration open for 26th annual state ham radio conference; public welcome

Metro Wire Staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Registration is now open for the 26th annual Wisconsin Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Conference.

The conference is set for Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at the McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, and is open to the public. It’s being hosted by Portage and Wood County ARES groups.

The event, sponsored by WeComm, Ltd., will provide updates from leadership and offer educational sessions on topics such as FM deviation settings for Packet and VARA, how to be an effective net participant, and how to work with the media.

Participants can choose between two registration options: free conference attendance without lunch, or attendance with a pre-ordered lunch for $15. The lunch, provided by a local nonprofit, includes a choice of turkey, ham, roast beef, or veggie sandwich, chips, fresh fruit, a cookie, and a beverage.

Those attending the conference can also book accommodations at the Hotel Mead & Conference Center across the street from the McMillan Library. A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees at a discounted rate, which can be accessed by calling the hotel at 715-423-1500 before Oct. 1.

The conference is open to all ARES/RACES members and anyone interested in supporting amateur radio communication in emergencies. To register, visit the Wisconsin ARES/RACES website.

Ham radio groups fill a gap in local emergency communications, often working with police, fire, and EMS groups during emergencies.

The McMillian Library is located at 490 E. Grand Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. For more information or to donate to WeComm’s operational costs, visit wecomm.org.