The ARRL has issued a call for papers and programs to include in its planned extensive slate of ARRL Centennial Convention forums and presentations. The convention will take place July 17-20, 2014, in Hartford, Connecticut. Dan Henderson, N1ND, is the Centennial Convention Programs and Forums Coordinator.

“Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, we are looking for programs with a ‘Wow!’ factor to match the Centennial theme,” says Henderson. “We want participants to leave forums saying, ‘Wow! That inspired me to stretch my horizons!’” Program organizers seek forum topics in five broad categories:

· Technical innovations and advancements

· On-the-Air Operating Activities

· Club Growth and Development

· Public Service Communication

· Education and Training

Proposed programs should address not only current technology and techniques, but innovations that are likely in the near future. Since the Centennial Convention will attract a diverse audience, forums should have broad appeal, although, Henderson says, organizers will consider topics that target more specialized or niche interests.

Programs should be either 50 minutes or 110 minutes long, including time for a question-and-answer period. The convention staff will provide video and image projection systems as needed. Several selected programs may be streamed live on the Internet for the benefit of those unable to attend the convention in person.

Submit forum proposal outlines on the ARRL National Centennial Convention web page. Complete all fields in the “Program Presenter Proposal” form. The deadline to submit proposals is October 31, 2013. Program organizers will review proposals and render final decisions by December 31. Henderson expects to have the Centennial Convention fleshed out by the end of March.

For more information visit the ARRL Centennial Convention Presentations web page or contact Dan Henderson, N1ND (860-594-0236).