The 2026 ARRL National Convention in Huntsville is putting practical field skills at the center of its training program, with full-day tracks devoted to portable antennas and emergency communications on Friday, August 21.

“Salty Walt” Hudson, K4OGO, leads the Portable Antenna Workshop alongside Michael Martens, KB9VBR, and ARRL Lab Digital RF Engineer John McAuliffe, W1DRF. Sessions cover planning portable HF activations, choosing antennas for difficult locations and band conditions, using antenna analyzers, and improving field systems with baluns, chokes, and transformers.

Emergency communications beyond the radio

The parallel Emergency Communications Academy focuses on preparing operators to work effectively when routine systems fail. Its agenda includes Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (PACE) planning; modernizing ARES; digital communications and emerging technologies; coordination with CERT and government agencies; and the development of meaningful emergency exercises.

Together, the tracks point toward a hands-on future for amateur radio—one in which adaptable antennas, portable power, sound planning, and strong community partnerships matter as much as the radio itself.

For operators interested in POTA, Field Day, public service, or emergency response, Huntsville’s message is straightforward: practice the complete system before it is needed.

The convention program takes place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Huntsville on August 21, followed by the Huntsville Hamfest on August 22–23.

Source: 2026 ARRL National Convention Training Tracks

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