Opening Event with Press Conference

Under the slogan “Discover the Sky: Amateur Radio meets Astronomy”, HAM RADIO 2026 will bring amateur radio and astronomy together on a single platform for the first time. 
From June 26 to 28, the international amateur radio community will gather in Friedrichshafen to discover technical innovations, exchange experiences, and look beyond the horizon together. For the first time, the trade fair ASTRO will take place alongside HAM RADIO. It is dedicated to the topics of astronomy, astrophotography, and modern observation technology.

At the opening event, we will give you a preview of HAM RADIO 2026 and the debut of ASTRO. We will also provide information on current developments in amateur radio and the many connections between radio technology and astronomy, which are central to this year’s trade show focus.

 

PROGRAM

Keynote speech of HAM RADIO 2026
Andreas Hein, First Mayor of the City of Friedrichshafen and Head of Department III

Overview of HAM RADIO 2026
Petra Rathgeber, Project director of HAM RADIO

Current projects and news from DARC
Christian Entsfellner [DL3MBG], Chairman of the board of German Amateur Radio Club (DARC)

Collaboration between RSGB and DARC: Innovative Projects bring amateur radio together across borders
Bob Beebe [GU4YOX], President of Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB)

ASTRO 2026: From concept to reality – A side event to HAM RADIO
Berthold Waßmuth, President of Lake Constance Astronomical Association

Award ceremony for the Rudolf-Horkheimer-Prize 2026

This will be followed by a photo opportunity with the guests in Room Austria.