The RAC 1st National Convention concludes in grand splendour!
It's hard to begin, let alone end, the overall highlights of the
1st  National Convention of Radio Amateurs of Canada.  The opening
ceremonies depicted how Canadians have always wanted to be
independent.  Now after many years Radio Amateurs of Canada give
Canadians the opportunity to work in unison.  George Wilson W4OYI
president of ARRL and Farrell Hopwood VE7RD president of RAC were
both given the Calgary White Hatter Award.  This symbolizes a great
Calgary tradition in welcoming these two along with everyone else
to Calgary.
    The official attendance is still being resolved given some pre-
registrants did not attend.  However, it appears the convention
exceeded 1000 in number.  Registrations were from as far west as
Vancouver Island, B.C. to P.E.I. and Cambridge Bay to California.
The farthest travelled ham was split two ways between VE1AYY from
Halifax County, NS and VY2CO from Charlottetown, P.E.I. The
youngest ham who registered was 8 year old Alex Vogrinetz VE6YIC
from Lamont, Ab. and the oldest was Bill Savage VE6EO from
Lethbridge, Ab. at age 86.
    Bill Kennamer K5FUV from the ARRL DXCC desk checked 5400 cards
which topped those checked at Dayton Hamvention this year.  Many
new DXCC applications will be processed.
The Friday evening wine & cheese party was attended by 407 people
and were entertained by flute and clarinet music.  Many people
shared and exchanged different aspects of the hobby throughout this
affair.
    Throughout the weekend the dealers experienced very brisk
sales.  The 30 seminars (3 running simultaneously at once) were
well attended.  In particular the RAC Forum drew some 450 people
and the RAC Annual General Meeting was the largest in the history
of any Canadian Amateur Radio national organization, with
approximately 325 people in attendance.  Members were proactive and
ideas to help our national organization were given to help in
gaining more members to RAC.  In particular, RAC will be working
very close with clubs across Canada with special incentives
offered.  Stay tuned for these offers from RAC Hq in the near
future.
    The Saturday evening banquet was attended by 356 people.  All
came to hear Dr. Robert Thirsk give his key address on the effects
of weightlessness after prolonged time in space.
In conclusion, the wind up BBQ was attended by 326 people who will
be talking about this event for some time to come.  The weather was
perfect and everyone sat outside with their meal over a cool one.
Most attending the convention were so tired from the weekends
activities, that they were snuggled up in bed by early sunset.
Only the hardy remained behind for the last stomp of the
convention.  So concludes a very successful 1st National Convention
of Radio Amateurs of Canada.  Here are a few comments heard
throughout the weekend.
73 Ken. VE6AFO
Chairman, RAC Convention '94
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"A real class act!  It will be a hard one to follow."
"After attending many conventions both in the United States and
Canada, I have never attended a convention so well organized!"
"I have never had so many things to do at one convention.  I am so
worn out that I am going right home and sleep for a week!"
"I thought the entertainment "Harmonics Unlimited" at the Saturday
evening banquet would be boring, until I heard them!  Wow, where
did you find this group?"
"The most door prizes I have ever seen at a convention!"
"Where will the 2nd RAC National Convention be held?"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
73 de Howard.  VE6HMT
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Internet: howard.tanner@logical.cuc.ab.ca
CompuServe: 72137,3215
Packet: VE6HMT@ve6yyc.#cgy.ab.can.na
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