Pacificon™  2025

Come and experience Electronics and Amateur Radio at one of the largest Ham Radio conventions.

Cub Scouts can participate in, kit building at the soldering station and talk on the radio.

Scouts BSA also have the opportunity to take Electronics or Radio Merit Badge training with trained Councilors on site.

Registration and additional information about the convention here https://www.scoutingevent.com/023-Pacificon2025

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Place:   PACIFICON, San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Dr, San Ramon, CA

General Admission open to Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA

Electronics Merit Badge (Scouts BSA Only)
2 Sessions
09:00 - 12:00
1:00 - 4:00

Radio Merit Badge (Scouts BSA Only)
1 Session
09:00 - 15:00

Hourly docent led tours (expect 1-2 hours)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Electronic Kit building
All Day

Radio Experience
All Day

IMPORTANT:

Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and adult uniformed leaders should be dressed in full uniform.

Cub Scouts and Scouts should have their Medical Forms A,B with them while attending the event

By attending this event you consent to pictures being taken and used in marketing / social media by Scouting America, MDARC and ARRL.

Cost:

$10  includes general admission and patch. Please register for one of the sessions 

$15 Merit Badge (Radio (09:00 - 15:00) and two Electronics MB sessions (09:00 -12:00) and (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) sessions are offered to SCOUTS BSA. Please register under Merit Badge (Electronics or Radio) option. Spaces for Merit Badges are limited (20 for Radio and 10 for each of the Electronics MB sessions).

Scouts can ONLY register for ONE Merit Badge.
Merit Badge Sessions are not available for Cub Scouts.

Electronic kit (required for Electronic Merit Badge) can be purchased on a site (tentative cost $5 - bring cash)

Registration:  Registration is required
Parents should register IF they want a Pacificon patch.  

Parents must remain with their Cub Scout during the event (NO drop and go).

Notes: 

Snacks, drinks, or lunch are NOT provided, so bring your own if needed. 

For All Scouts:

All Scouts will learn about amateur radio - what it is, how it works, types of equipment, and how to use it.  Scout will have a chance to listen to and talk to other ham radio operators 

For Cub Scouts:

Adult participant is required. Plan to spend about one hour for a docent-led tour of the event, including listening (and possibly talking) to Ham Radio operators around the country and world. Come any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

For Scouts BSA & Venturers:

Plan to spend about 1-2 hours for a docent-led tour of the event, including listening (and possibly talking) to Ham Radio operators around the country and world.

Work on the Radio Merit Badge or Electronics Merit Badge  (9am-3pm) – limited space availability – register under Merit Badge (Electronics or Radio) option on a side panel of this page. This is a separate registration from the sessions.No lunch will be provided. Each Scout can only earn 1 merit badge at the event. Cost is $15. 

One-Day Amateur Radio Technician License Class (8 am to 4 pm. Registration, what to bring and the fee, click here) 

Amateur Radio License exams (new, upgrade and retake) are ongoing. Sat.: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.; Sun.: 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.; (click here)

Electronic kit assembly (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) – meets Electronic Merit Badge partial requirements. Bring $5 (tentative) for the electronic kit options) and plan 1-2 hours of time. More info here

Browsing the latest technology of radio electronic in the Pacificon’s Vendor Exhibit Hall found here

Although the merit badge activities will only be on October 19, Scouts can come again on October 20 for the kit building, etc. There is no charge for entrance fee if full Scout uniform is worn.

Questions? Contact:

Roy Adam - WW6S;  n6fun@pacbell.net;  C:510-932-9815

Kevin Slovick - KS4FUN; Kevin@Slovick.com; C:925-676-5458

Dave Shaw - WB6WTM; daves@2geeks.org;  C:650-438-9805

Note about 2025 JOTA / JOTI.

In prior years the Pacificon event has coincided with Scouting's international Jamboree on Air The Air and Internet (JOTA/JOTI). 

The 2025 JOTA / JOTI event will occur at its traditional date/time, the third weekend in October October 17-19th

For more information, see the links below.

Here is a link for more information about the International JOTA/JOTI event.

Here is a link for Council information for the JOTA/JOTI event.

Check the GGAC Scoutingevent link for the 2025 Council JOTA/JOTI event.

We anticipate the two events will re-align in 2026.