[Mldxcc] IDXC Visalia: Quick Report, Photos & Contest Academy Feedback

[John Miller]

Quick Report:  750 folks attended the International DX Convention this  
past weekend.  At least 150 were members of NCCC, REDXA, NCDXC, or  
MLDXCC.  Bob (N6TV) sent a link to his photos yesterday -- great job  
as usual, Bob.

I've also uploaded mine to Google Picasa here: http://bit.ly/IDXC-2010-Visalia

++ Contest Academy:  The first two photos are from CA.  This year, we  
taught two simultaneous sessions (Beginning & Advanced) with a total  
of 115 "students" attending.  I've summarized the feedback from  
attendees as a Google document here:

http://bit.ly/Feedback-ContestAcademy-2010

There are two tabs at the top:  Beginning and Advanced.  As you scroll  
down either page, you'll see 3 tables:
Table 1.  Raw Data -- including comments
Table 2.  Average Ratings = average responses for each question
Table 3.  Frequency Distribution = # of responses for each question

Bottom Line:  The numbers speak for themselves.  Another great Contest  
Academy event for 2010.

I'd like to publicly thank the CA Faculty for their commitment,  
preparation, and excellent delivery.  You guys are awesome!

Beginning Session:  (Moderator: K6MM), K6RB, K6UFO, K6TD, K5RC, K9YC
Advanced Session:  (Moderator: K6XX), N6BV, KF6T, ND2T, N6TV

We've got a great Seminar program going now, but there were several  
good suggestions from CA students that will help make Contest Academy  
even better next year.

++ NCCC Hospitality Suite (Friday & Saturday evenings):  Another big  
hit -- you can tell from the photos.  Kudos to Chris (N6WM) for  
bringing the beer (supplied at no cost from the Tied House), and to  
Jack (KF6T) for providing snacks.  Folks love the NCCC-sponsored  
gathering each year.

++ NCCC Exhibit Booth:  Excellent corner location in the Exhibit  
Hall.  Many new and old friends stopped by.  Sold several 2010 CQP T- 
Shirts.  Signed 3 new members.  Our booth area is one of the most  
popular social gathering spots at the Convention.  Ken (K4ZW),  
President of PVRC stopped by - uploaded his photo too.  Great job by  
Chris (N6WM) who set up the booth, which was staffed by many KBers on  
Friday and Saturday.

++ Speaking of Exhibits:  Elecraft introduced their new KPA-500 solid  
state amplifier.  Beautiful design matching the K3, along with the new  
P3 Panadapter.  Slick product line.  Their booth was jammed all  
weekend.  K6XX and W6FB, both on the KPA-500 design team, haven't  
slept in two weeks.

++ Presentation Highlights:  Tom (N4XP) gave a colorful overview of  
the K4M Midway DXpedition at the banquet, and on Sunday morning, Dick  
(N6RC) shared his experience at contest station CR2X in the Azores  
(beautiful country).  Paul (N6PSE) had just returned from YI9PSE in  
Iraq, and gave a few impromptu feedback sessions around the Convention.

++ Dinners:  The Contesting, IOTA and TopBand dinners were packed.  I  
attended the Contesting Dinner, where Ward Silver (N0AX) had everyone  
on the floor laughing with his "Return of Dr. Beldar" routine.  Classic.

++ Youngest Ham Award:  There were two 11 yr. olds at the Convention,  
both NCCC members.  Issac Feriante (KI6DIL) and Cece Kerns (KJ6BNO).   
Since Cece is ONE DAY older than Issac, she qualified for the Youngest  
Ham award, and was given an ICOM-718 at the Sunday morning breakfast.   
Her Dad, Donald (AE6RF) must be VERY proud.

++ IDXC 2011:  Next Year:  Kevin (K6TD) and I have the privilege of co- 
chairing IDXC for 2011, wearing our NCDXC hats.  Our promise:  It WILL  
be a good meeting.  Note the Dates:  April 15-17, 2011 in Visalia,  
CA.  We'll have more information about room reservations at the  
Holiday Inn and other details in the near future.

For now, chalk up another excellent DX convention experience.  Hope  
you had some fun too.

73,
John K6MM