HamXposition - Youth Forum - New England Sci-Tech Inc

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YOUTH FORUM AND LOGISTICS FOR YOUTH (Quicklink: nescitech.org/youthforum) (Back to HamX Page)

2026 DATES! (firm) – August 14-15-16, 2026 in Marlborough, MA.

The Northeast HamXposition, aka HamX, is held at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road, Marlborough, MA on the last weekend of August. The event attracts hobbyists, makers, science and STEM enthusiasts, school and scout groups, and amateur radio operators from all over New England. Your admission ticket is good for all three days. Come join us!

YOUTH PARTICIPATION -- Parents and Scout Leaders Please Read

This HamX Youth Participation Information on this web page is for all youth/scouts and their parents/leaders to read and discuss. We want all attending youth to have a safe and enjoyable time.

How much does it cost to attend?

For youth/scouts under 18 years, NEST will reimburse admission and banquet fees. Although youth admission is free, we will pay for a 3-day admission ticket so that youth have a call sign badge, souvenir lanyard, and ticket for door prizes. NEST will also reimburse each youth’s Friday and/or Saturday banquet ticket so that youth/scouts may attend the dinners and hear the guest speakers. We will also give youth $10 cash for Saturday lunch.

PARENTS/LEADERS:

STEP 1 - First, please order your tickets for the convention for you and your child/scout plus banquet tickets for either or both of you, if desired, and select “STARS” in the Club Table box for seating. You must order your own tickets - we do not provide them. (Deadline Aug 2 to order dinner tickets.)

STEP 2 - Then please fill out this NEST HamX Youth Attendance Form to indicate your youth's/scout's attendance and to claim your admissions and banquet tickets refund. The General Admission ticket covers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Friday and Saturday banquets are priced separately.

STEP 3 - Email a copy of your electronic ticket receipt(s) to info@nescitech.org for our records. (Reimbursement will be only if your youth attends the event or, in case of no-show, you get your tickets to us in time to offer them to someone else. No show and/or no tickets means no reimbursement.)

We will reimburse Youth Admissions $18, up to two banquets $59 each, and give youth $10 cash for Saturday lunch.

If you forgot to select the STARS table when you registered for the banquet, you can fix that by going to ticketing.hamx.org/groups/.

What is New England Sci-Tech’s involvement at the convention?

Our clubs host exhibitor booths in the Atrium, host soldering workshops, and provide a central destination for youth and families looking for a place to gather and socialize during the day between sessions. Our club hosts the Youth Forum on Saturday.

What is the Youth Forum?

The Youth Forum is a tradition that we have hosted for many years. We invite as many youth of school and college age as possible to join a round-table discussion about what their interests are in STEM, electronics, radio, and how they see wireless technology and ham radio in their future. We would really like to have youth and scouts join us and invite parents and scout leaders to pose questions for discussion.

What may I do when I am not attending a break-out session?

You may visit the extensive flea market, go inside EmComm trailers, attend sessions, and stroll through the isles of exhibitors. Hang out with friends at the NEST/STARS booths in the Atrium or help with soldering workshops. If staying at the hotel, there is the workout room, swimming pool, arcade room, or other hotel offerings.

What shall I do about other meals such as lunch and snacks?

Each person should bring cash for meals and snacks. The hotel opens a lunch buffet for a few hours on Saturday. You will have to eat quickly between forums and activities. You may also keep snacks with your personal belongings.

Should my child bring money for the flea market and exhibit hall?

That’s up to youth and their parents. For responsible youth, a $50 or $100 allowance might be prudent, but don’t plan to spend it unless there is something you really need.

Can we let our child participate without parental supervision?

We encourage parents to attend with their children. Under the age of 13 children ought to have an adult supervisor. Teens that are members of NEST may attend without parents if they have peer company, meaning at least two or more together in a group. NEST adult supervisors in the club will help keep an eye on youth participants, however, we are not running a school trip and can't watch them at all times. Youth members must agree to behave, stick together in a group, and check in regularly in the Atrium. If you have any questions, please ask.

May my child attend on Friday or Sunday as well?

Yes, but youth activities are somewhat limited on Friday and Sunday. Youth can help with our booth and our Kit Building Workshops, and attend the Friday dinner with us. The weekend begins Friday at noon and ends Sunday at 2:00 PM.

What are the youth rules?

ALL youth please check in regularly with one of our supervisors at the NEST/STARS booths in the Atrium. Then join a group or pair up with a buddy. Stay with your buddy at all times, including visits to restrooms, snack areas, and exhibit halls. Be on your best behavior and be courteous to people who ask about your club. When you are ready to be picked up to go home, please have your parent/leader meet you at the NEST/STARS booths in the Atrium and check out with one of the supervisors. If you are staying for the banquet, you will check out with us at our booth in the Atrium at the conclusion of the program (approx. 9:30 pm).

How may I reach you or my child during the event?

You may call the NEST business line at 508-720-4179, which will ring on Bob’s cell phone at the convention. You can also TEXT Bob at his cell phone number (ask Bob for the number in advance).

2026 NEST/STARS FRIDAY (tentative)

8:30 - 9:00 AM — Join us for a buffet breakfast in the restaurant.

9:00 - 12:00 — NEST/STARS/NEWBS booth setup in the Atrium.

12:00 - 5:00 — Explore the Flea Market or hang out at our booth. BYO Lunch.

2:00 - 5:00 — Soldering Kit Workshops at our booth in the Atrium.

5:00 - 6:00 — Unscheduled. If not staying for dinner, check out at our booth. Others play games or socialize in the Atrium.

6:00 - 6:30 — Refreshments/socializing in the hallway near the banquet hall.

6:30 approx. — Doors Open - Don't be late or we may not be able to seat you at the STARS tables. Bring your Friday dinner ticket.

7:00 - 9:00 — Youth/scouts should sit together at any of the tables reserved for STARS, or they may sit with their parents. Look for signs on the tables.

8:00 - 9:00 — Guest Speaker Max Freedman, N4ML, is one of the next generation of Amateur Radio operators. Licensed in 2016, at age 12, he has become an active contester and DXer, a 2026 WRTC competitor, Caribbean Contesting Consortium Member, and has activated rare DXCC countries like Bouvet Island as part of the 3YØK team. Max is active member in the YCCC, NCDXF, INDEXA, SEDXC, and the local Newington Amateur Radio League. He has made a vocation out of his avocation, working full time at the ARRL’s Education and Learning Department. Max is involved in the Teacher’s Institute and other programs.

2026 NEST/STARS SATURDAY (tentative)

8:30 - 9:00 AM — Join us for a buffet breakfast in the restaurant.

9:00 - 10:00 — Early-bird Check-ins: Youth, scouts, and families arrive and check in at NEST booth in Atrium. We will help youth without parents find a buddy.

9:00 - 12:00 — Visit any educational sessions, help at our booth, or peruse the flea market and EmComm vehicles. Soldering Kit Workshops at our booth.

12:00 - 1:00 — Check-ins: Youth, scouts, and families arrive and check in at NEST booth in Atrium. We will help youth without parents find a buddy. BYO lunch or purchase at the hotel. We will give all youth $10 cash for food.

1:00 - 1:50 — Explore the Flea Market or hang out at our booth. Attend Max's talk in Room (TBA).

2:00 - 2:50 — Students in Radio Astronomy & Satellites give their talk in Room (TBA).

3:00 - 3:50 — Students in StratoScience give their talk in Room (TBA).

4:00 - 4:50 — YOUTH FORUM - Everyone please join this one in the ATRIUM! There will be prizes.

5:00 - 6:00 — Game Night in the Atrium. If not staying for Banquet, check out at our booth during this time.

6:00 - 6:30 — Hang out at the booth in the Atrium, play games, or socialize.

6:30 approx. — Doors Open - Don't be late or we may not be able to seat you at the STARS tables. Bring your Saturday Banquet ticket.

7:00 - 9:00 — Grand Banquet. Youth/scouts sit together at any of the tables reserved for STARS or sit with their parents. Look for signs on the tables.

8:00 - 9:00 — 2026 Banquet Speaker: Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, epitomizes the very best of our next generation of radio amateurs. Katie was licensed in 2019 at ten years old in early middle school. Her predominant interests in amateur radio at the moment are CW and contesting. She’s an active member of the North Coast Contesters and the Bavarian Contest Club. Katie currently serves on the working group of Youth on the Air for the Americas as their public relations manager. Katie formerly taught classes for the Long Island CW Club kids program. She’s also served on the board of the Young Ladies Radio League as their youth representative. Katie has lived and attended school in Germany on a scholarship facilitated by the US Department of State. She is looking forward to starting college in the fall.

9:00 - 10:00 — Optional Games and Movie in the Atrium. When leaving, please check out with us at the banquet or in the Atrium.

2026 NEST/STARS SUNDAY (tentative)

8:30 - 9:00 AM — Join us for a buffet breakfast in the restaurant.

9:00 - 10:00 AM — Youth members, scouts, and families arrive and check in at NEST booth in Atrium.

9:00 - 12:00 — Visit the forums and flea market. Non-soldering kit workshops at our booth.

12:00 - 1:00 – Help with taking down the booths and packing cars.

1:00 - 2:00 — Closing Ceremonies and Lots of Prize Drawings!