RSGB Convention 2026: Learning, Innovation and the Future of Amateur Radio

The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has wrapped up its 2026 Convention, held from 9 to 11 October at the Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes, bringing together radio amateurs for a weekend of technical presentations, practical workshops, international perspectives and community engagement.

With more than 50 lectures, workshops, forums and activities advertised, this year's Convention embraced the themes Learn, Connect and Inspire, providing something for everyone, from newly licensed operators to experienced experimenters and technical specialists.

One of the major highlights was the keynote presentation by International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA, who returned to the Convention to examine the future of amateur radio. His presentation explored the challenges of spectrum protection, emerging technologies, digital and space-based communications, and the continuing importance of amateur radio in education, experimentation and public service.

The keynote also addressed how national amateur radio societies, regulators and volunteers can work together to attract new participants and demonstrate the ongoing value of amateur radio. These are particularly relevant issues for the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) and its affiliated clubs as they consider the future of the hobby and the importance of effective national and international representation.

From Artificial Intelligence to Radio Astronomy

The technical programme covered an impressive range of subjects, demonstrating just how diverse amateur radio has become.

Among the featured presentations was Paul Whiting, G4YQC, exploring how amateurs can use the 21-centimetre neutral hydrogen emission line to map the Milky Way from their own backyards using relatively inexpensive equipment.

Dave Robinson, G4FRE, examined GPS-disciplined oscillators, while other presentations addressed propagation research, microwave communications, digital technologies and practical station experimentation.

Another fascinating topic was the RSGB's 12 August 2026 solar eclipse propagation experiment, led by Steve Nichols, G0KYA, and the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee. The Convention programme included a presentation examining the results and what the experiment revealed about radio propagation.

The microwave community was also represented, with Heather Nickalls, M0HMO, and Brian Coleman, G4NNS, presenting an update on developments in this technically challenging area of amateur radio.

Hands-On Workshops and Practical Learning

Practical experimentation was a significant feature of the Convention, with workshops designed to give participants new skills they could apply in their own stations and clubs.

Topics included:

NanoVNA Essentials: Understanding and using vector network analysers for antenna measurements and other amateur radio applications.

Finding RFI and Minimising Its Impact: Practical techniques for identifying interference sources and reducing their effects.

AI: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Exploring artificial intelligence through practical, interactive exercises.

The strong interest in these workshops, including sold-out sessions, highlighted the continuing demand for hands-on technical education.

For Australian clubs, these topics provide useful examples of activities that can be delivered locally to engage members, encourage experimentation and develop practical skills.

Satellites, DXpeditions and International Connections

The Convention also hosted the AMSAT-UK Colloquium, bringing together satellite enthusiasts for presentations on amateur radio space communications and associated technologies.

The social programme included a gala dinner featuring well-known DXpeditioner Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, whose after-dinner presentation explored the realities of organising and participating in international DXpeditions under the title A DXpedition is NOT a Vacation!

DXpeditions, contesting and propagation research remain important parts of the amateur radio community, providing opportunities for technical development, international friendship and challenging operating experiences.

Encouraging the Next Generation

The RSGB placed additional emphasis on activities for younger radio amateurs, recognising the importance of engaging new generations in the hobby.

This focus on youth participation, education and practical experimentation reflects challenges and opportunities shared by amateur radio organisations around the world.

For the WIA and Australian affiliated clubs, the Convention offers a reminder that attracting new members is only part of the challenge. Providing interesting activities, opportunities to learn, mentoring and a welcoming community is equally important.

Watch the Convention Presentations Online

One of the most valuable aspects of the RSGB Convention is that its lecture programme was livestreamed, with recordings available for radio amateurs around the world.

The AMSAT-UK Colloquium presentations were also streamed separately.

The RSGB Convention demonstrates the value of bringing radio amateurs together to learn, exchange ideas and explore new possibilities. It also offers an excellent model for clubs and national organisations seeking to strengthen their communities through education, experimentation and connection.

Further Information and Recordings

RSGB Convention 2026:
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Convention Programme and Speaker Presentations:
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RSGB Convention Workshops:
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RSGB YouTube Channel (Convention Recordings):
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AMSAT-UK Colloquium Livestream Information:
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AMSAT-UK Saturday Presentations:
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AMSAT-UK Sunday Presentations:
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Source: Radio Society of Great Britain, RSGB Convention 2026 programme, speaker summaries, workshop information and Convention livestream announcements.

Page Last Updated: Thursday, 15 Oct 2026 at 20:53 hours by Justin Giles-clark

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