A hamfest (or ham radio festival) is an Amateur Radio social event that can encompass everything from a simple parking lot swap meet to a giant multi-day convention and everything in between. Most hamfests include some form of swap meet and/or vendor space where individuals and businesses sell new and used items (antiques even) related to Amateur Radio. Some of these events are exclusively for Amateur Radio and others may embrace a broader range electronic hobbies like computers, R/C vehicles and aircraft, robotics, alternative energy, and anything else that runs off of electricity. Many hamfests include demonstrations of new equipment, technology, or techniques related to Amateur Radio or similar hobbies and some have hands on workshops teaching a variety of skills. Whatever activities are involved one of the primary components of a hamfest is the opportunity to visit with old friends and to meet some new ones. Hams use a variety of voice and data communications methods to talk to each other but the chance to put a face to the names one is so familiar with is highly cherished.
