Ham EXPO Spring 2025 -- The Belton Hamfest -- April 5th, 2025

• Saturday, April 5, 2025
• Bell County Expo Center (Cadence Bank Center) Belton, Texas (301 West Loop 121)
• From Interstate 35 take Exit 292 to the Dome (1/4 mile west of I-35)
• Only 50 miles north of Austin
• Just 130 miles north of San Antonio
• 140 miles south of Dallas / Ft. Worth
• 165 miles northwest of Houston

VENDORS - Space and Table rates have increased due to the increased cost of of the facility. This is the first rate increase for Spaces and Tables since Friday setup began many, many years ago.

ATTENTION --

HamEXPO! -- Your opportunity to sell amateur radio and related items to buyers on a Saturday morning. Most indoor spaces have free electricity. There are a limited number of spaces against the wall.

ADMISSION FEE for the public is $10.00 per person at the door (children under 12 free). Includes two free raffle tickets (a $4.00 value).

Loud Noise & Strobe Light Use

Due to complaints from HamEXPO participants of high noise levels in the exhibition hall, we request vendors and participants to not demonstrate or use devices that make loud noises such as sirens, bells, whistles and amplified speakers. We also recommend that caution should be taken in the use of strobe lights. Bright strobe lights are known to trigger seizures for some people. The HamEXPO staff requests your cooperation.

PRE-REGISTRATIONS are for VENDOR SALES, not ADMISSION TICKETS

The DEADLINE for pre-registering online is 1:00AM, Monday, March 31, 2025

You may register by mail is necessary. Send an email to [email protected] and ask for the mail in registration form. Mail in registrations must be received by March 15, 2025.

Reserve your space at HamEXPO! -- the Belton Hamfest -- today.

CANCELLATIONS: Reservations canceled before Monday, March 31, 2025, will receive a full refund minus process refund fees. Reservations canceled on or after that date will receive a 50-percent refund minus refund fees. Cancellations made on Friday April 5th, or after will not be issued a refund. Notifications will be phone or Email.

Questions? Please e-mail [email protected] P.S.Check the HamEXPO! link at www.beltonhamexpo.org -- See you at Belton!

PARKING LOT SELLERS

$5.00 DONATION is requested per seller, whether setting up Friday or Saturday. May pre-register. NOTE: Parking Lot is not an 'official' part of Ham Expo. Does not include inside admission.

Please park in the half of the parking lot that is closest to Loop 121. Please leave parking spaces close to the building for Ham Expo attendees.

INSIDE NON-COMMERCIAL SELLERS

PLEASE let us know if you will not be arriving until Saturday morning.

Inside Non-Commercial sellers: Set up on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Two choices:

(1) Indoor Vehicle Space (sell from your trailer, truck, etc.) $20.00 per each indoor vehicle space. Tables are not included with vehicle space. If extra tables are available they may be rented for an additional $10 each. Best choice is to bring your own tables if you need them. Admission is included but no raffle ticket.

** OR **

(2.) Indoor Non-Commercial Vendor Table, $20.00 each. Admission is included but no raffle ticket.

Free electricity is available near most Non-commercial locations. Please state if you need electricity.

FRIDAY is setup day for pre-registered non-commercial sellers from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Building will be closed and locked after 9:00 p.m. Ham Expo suggests that sellers use something to cover their tables when they leave the building.

If you need to set up on Saturday morning, please arrive no later than 6:00 a.m. for setup if you need to bring a vehicle into the event building. All vehicles leaving the event building before the main entrance is opened to the public must exit prior to 6:45 a.m.

If not pre-registered, Indoor Non-Commercial vehicle SPACES or table(s) if available may be bought at the door on Friday, 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. or Saturday morning, after 5:30 a.m. -- $15.00 each on a first come, first served basis. Admission is included but no raffle ticket.

COMMERCIAL VENDORS

Commercial Vendor spaces with tables (8’): $25.00 per table. Set up on Friday between 12:00 noon and 9:00 p.m. You may drive your vehicle inside to unload. Free electricity. Overnight security guard.

Commercial Vendors Lunch(s) may be purchased to be delivered to their booth for $10.00 per meal. Each meal includes a drink.

If you need to set up on Saturday morning, please arrive no later than 6:00 a.m. for last minute setup. All vehicles leaving the event building before the main entrance is opened to the public must exit prior to 6:45 a.m. ATTENTION COMMERCIAL VENDORS: Please use the QUESTIONNAIRE on this Registration to list the NAMES of each person in your group who will need a floor pass--even if it is just yourself. Passes will be waiting at the Registration Table. Floor pass does not include raffle ticket.

P.S. Most commercial vendors donate a door prize or two. If you have something, please bring it to the Registration Table with your business card attached so we can send winners to visit your display. Thanks!

HamEXPO! -- the Belton Hamfest

PARKING CHANGES

Ham Expo is asking all vendors, outside tailgaters and attendees with RV's or travel trailers to make note of location changers in the parking lot.

A few years ago the Bell County Expo Center relocated its main entrance gate. This relocation reduced the number of parking spaces directly in front of the Exposition Building. In order to provide close parking for handicap and elderly Ham Expo asks that vendors, outside tailgaters, RV's and travel trailers park to the right of the main entrance as you drive toward the building.

On the photo below you can see the old and new entrance locations and how it affected parking. Ham Expo wants to thank everyone for their understanding and consideration for making Ham Expo more accessible to the handicapped and elderly.

HAM EXPO FAQ

What is early set up?

Early set up is where vendors arrive and set up their tables or vehicle spaces on Friday. Since Friday is intended for set up we ask that only vendors be in the building.

What kinds of things can I sell?

While ham radio related items are preferred other items can be sold. Nothing of an adult nature.

What about selling guns and ammo?

No. Ham Expo is not licensed or insured for these types of items.

What about selling guns and ammo outside?

Ham Expo has been told that the seller must be licensed to sell these items.

What items are not allowed inside the building?

The Bell County Expo Center policy is NO smoking, NO alcohol, and ONLY service animals.

Can I bring my pet?

As part of the contract, Ham Expo is given a copy of the rules and regulations for the facility. It states that only Service animals are permitted. If you bring your pet into the building and the Expo Center receives a complaint, you may be asked to leave the building. Should this occur Ham Expo would not issue a refund.

What kind of security is at Ham Expo?

Paid security is in the building when it is locked for the night. Ham Expo workers and the vendors themselves make up security while the building is open.

Are Ham Expo workers paid?

No. All workers are strictly volunteers.

Why the new increase on the cost of tables and spaces for vendors?

Increased cost of renting the facility.

Can I buy additional raffle tickets?

Yes. $2 each.

Can Ham Expo volunteer workers purchase raffle tickets?

Members of the Temple Amateur Radio Club, their families and other volunteers working Ham Expo can purchase raffle tickets but are limited to only the hourly gift drawings. They are NOT eligible for the three main prizes.

Do I have to be present to win?

YES. Main prizes are drawn at 1:00 PM. Smaller vendor donated door prizes are drawn throughout the morning. Ticket holders have 15 minutes to claim these smaller door prizes before they are redrawn.

What do I put on my raffle ticket?

Tickets are announced by ticket number. No need to fill them out.

What time are the main prizes drawn?

1:00 PM

Does Ham Expo offer VE testing?

Yes. A group of VE’s hold testing starting at 10:00 A.M. Location is the Special Event room, which is upstairs near the dome.

Where are the commercial vendors located in the building?

Most are on the left side of the building with others along the back tables.

How can I advertise my location?

Signs, banners, flyers, etc. Be sure not to cause damage to tables or walls when hanging or attaching these items.

What about using lights and sound?

Due to building acoustics and input from attendees Ham Expo does not allow amplified sound devices such as bullhorns or PA systems. Likewise other noisemakers like bells, horns, gongs, etc are not allowed. Strobe lights could potentially lead to seizures and are discouraged.

Can I bring my RV or Travel Trailer?

Yes. Please refer to the parking map posting on Eventbrite, and the TARC webpage and Facebook page.

Is the Exposition Building ADA compliant?

The building does meet ADA requirements for the designed use of the building. Ham Expo lies somewhat outside the designed use therefore two port a potties (one being handicap) are located outside in front of the entrance.

When does the building open Saturday morning?

Vendors are allowed to enter beginning at 5:30 AM. This allows them to make last minute preparations prior to the start of the event.

Public enters at 7:00 AM.

What should I do as a vendor?

Come prepared. Bring extension cords if you will be using electricity. That includes bringing tarps, sheets, blankets, etc to cover your items when you leave the building. Ham Expo tries to prevent things from growing legs and walking off and having your things covered is an important first step.

Chairs and extra tables for vehicle spaces.

There should be plenty of chairs available. Tables are another matter. Ham Expo is probably the largest user of tables for any event at the Expo Center. There are usually a few additional tables to rent beyond what are set up and assigned to vendors but they go quickly. If you can bring your own, do so.

Should I pre-register?

YES. Ham Expo frequently sells out before registration ends.

What are the requirements of pre-registration and early set up?

Due to the success of Ham Expo this has had to be altered. Please do your best to arrive on Friday. You are allowed to enter as late as 9:00 PM.

If you cannot arrive until Saturday morning you must show up NO LATER than 6:00 AM. This is so we can get your vehicle either parked in your space or unloaded and back outside before the public enters at 7:00 AM.

If you show up later than 6:30 AM. you will have to carry your items to your spot.

How do I get my vehicle in and out of the building?

Come to the front tables and ask for assistance. Ham Expo workers must help you when entering or leaving the building. It is also a good idea to have your lights on, including hazard lamps.

When can vendors leave on Saturday?

After the main prizes are drawn. The first and foremost duty is to the safety of everyone walking inside during Ham Expo. If you find that you must leave before the grand prizes are announced, (the crowd thins after this point) you have to come to the front tables and request assistance from Ham Expo workers to spot for you and direct you and your vehicle in and/or out of the building. If it is determined that it is not possible to get you out when you like you may have to wait until it is safer.

Is there an ATM?

There is an ATM located on site. There is one located next to the concession booth and one located in the entrance to the Dome.

Are there refreshments?

There is a concession booth inside the building that is in operation for Saturday.

When is Set Up on Friday?

Commercial vendors are allowed to set up beginning at Noon.

Non Commercial vendor set up begins at 2:00 PM.

Ham Expo needs time to number tables, check table layout, hang banners and signs, mark spaces, etc. Please do not ask to come in prior to the listed times.

What is a commercial vendor?

A person whose primary source of income is the selling of merchandise (usually new) and has a tax ID number and business name.

What is a non-commercial vendor?

Everyone else.

Can I sell outside?

Yes. A $5 donation is requested from each outside vendor that is selling. We ask that outside sellers follow the parking area map that is posted on Eventbrite, the TARC webpage and Facebook page. Outside vendors do not receive a wristband pass to inside the building.

Can I have my vehicle in my space?

Yes on two conditions. If you want it left inside overnight you must also follow the Bell County Fire Marshall regulations pertaining to vehicles inside the building. If you need to bring your vehicle inside prior to the public entering at 7:00 AM on Saturday you must arrive by 6:00 AM. All vehicle traffic ends by 6:30 AM.

How big are the tables?

30 inches by 8 feet.

How big are the vehicle spaces?

Approximately 10 feet by 15 feet.

Can I get more than one vehicle space?

Yes. In the Special Needs section of the online registration please indicate whether you want the spaces side by side or pull through (as in leaving a vehicle and trailer hitched together.

What if my vehicle is too big for a space?

Tape measures are your friend. Hitch that trailer up and measure instead of guessing. Pickups are getting huge. If you have a quad cab, crew cab, long bed, etc try to let us know.

You may not be able to put a table in front of your lowered tailgate if it intrudes too much into the walking aisle. Bottlenecks only prevent people from circulating; they don’t get you more sales.

The length of your truck may require you being located on the right most aisle which is wider due to table layout.

Can I change what I want when I show up? Table or space, how many?

Possibly. The earlier you show up on Friday the greater the chance that you can be accommodated.

Can I be located next to a friend?

Both parties need to indicate in the Special Needs area of the online registration that they need to be located next to each other.

Be sure to use the first and last name of both parties as used on the registration.

Or have only one-person register but buy both spaces. Then when each of you shows up you can be shown the location.

Can I get a certain location in the building?

The policy is to locate first based on longevity, taking into account where vendors were located the past two events, as well as the number of tables or spaces wanted.

We have to do some juggling when vendors change the number of tables or spaces from previous shows. Logically the largest vendors have to be placed first working down to individual tables or spaces.

We also consider any special needs such as health related requests, etc.

NOTE: An increase in the number of extra long pickups may force changes on vendors that traditionally had they vehicle space on the right most aisle.

Host or Publisher Temple Amateur Radio Club -- Temple, Texas