EMCOMMWEST 2009 -- an ARRL specialty convention devoted entirely to emergency communications -- will host this year's Pacific Division Convention (Pacificon) at the Circus Circus Hotel Resort in Reno, Nevada May 1-3.

Supervisor of the ARRL's Field and Public Service Team Steve Ewald, WV1X, will host an emergency communications forum and deliver the keynote address. Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, former Special Counsel of the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, will be the speaker at the Saturday evening banquet; Hollingsworth will also present a forum on the legal aspects of emergency communications.

Other forums in the works include an introduction to the work of Public Information Officers (PIO) and the PR-101 Course; how to create an effective ARES® team (and even how to create an ARES team from scratch); how to work with ARES from an Emergency Manager's view; packet software and operations for emergency communications; practical emergency communication functions for ATV; how to creating a Section-wide intercom using EchoLink and VoIP, and more! SKYWARN and storm spotter training will also be offered. ARRL Pacific Division Director Bob Vallio, W64RGG, and Vice Director Andy Oppel, N6AJO, will lead the ARRL Forum.

On Saturday, May 2, look for the Reno Spring Hamswap to start at 6 AM adjacent to the hotel (corner of Sixth and Sierra). Everyone is invited to swap and sell. Bring your own tables or swap out of the back of your vehicle.

Registration is now available online via the EMCOMMWEST Web site.