SEA-PAC 2026: Amateur Radio's Pacific Northwest Convention
SEA-PAC returns to Seaside, Oregon on June 5–7, 2026. Here's what to expect from the Pacific Northwest's premier amateur radio convention, including the vendor floor, forums, and license exam sessions.
SEA-PAC 2026 runs June 5–7 at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside, Oregon—the same venue that has hosted the Pacific Northwest’s largest amateur radio convention for decades. If you’ve never made the trip down the coast, this is a good year to go.
What Is SEA-PAC?
SEA-PAC (Salmon Esperanza Amateur-Pacific) is organized by the Western Envelope League and draws several thousand attendees over its three-day run. It’s part convention, part swapmeet, part technical conference—and the informal atmosphere makes it easy to spend two days talking to people and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
The venue in Seaside sits about 80 miles northwest of Portland, roughly three hours from the Seattle area. The drive down US-101 through the Oregon coast is worth the trip on its own.
Vendor Floor and Swapmeet
The vendor floor runs all three days and includes major equipment dealers, antenna manufacturers, software vendors, club tables, and an extensive swapmeet. If you’re looking for used gear, this is the Pacific Northwest’s best opportunity. Bring cash for the swapmeet section and get there early—the best items go quickly on Friday afternoon when the floor opens.
MicroHAMS has historically had a presence at SEA-PAC, and members frequently run into each other on the floor throughout the weekend.
Technical Forums
SEA-PAC runs a full slate of technical forums across the weekend in multiple rooms. Topics typically include:
- Digital modes and weak-signal operating
- Emergency communications and ARES/RACES coordination
- SDR platforms and receiver technology
- Antenna construction and portable operations
- License exam preparation and upgrading
MicroHAMS members have presented at SEA-PAC in past years. If you’re considering submitting a presentation proposal for 2026, check the SEA-PAC website for their submission process—they actively welcome technical presentations from the community.
License Exams
VE sessions are available throughout the weekend. If you’ve been studying for your Technician, General, or Extra exam, this is a low-pressure way to test in an environment full of fellow enthusiasts. Candidates should confirm current requirements and bring appropriate documentation; see the SEA-PAC website for session schedules.
Planning the Trip
Accommodations in Seaside book early for the SEA-PAC weekend. The Seaside Convention Center is walkable to most of the hotels along the beachfront, and the town is compact enough that you won’t need a car once you arrive. Book lodging soon if you’re going—rooms were filling quickly as of early April.
Friday afternoon is the sweet spot for first-time attendees. The swapmeet opens and the crowd is smaller than Saturday. You’ll have more time to browse the vendor tables and strike up conversations before the peak traffic hits.
Carpool if you can. Several MicroHAMS members typically make the drive together. Post on the mailing list if you’re looking for a carpool or have space in your vehicle.
SEA-PAC is the kind of event that reminds you how big the amateur radio community is in the Pacific Northwest. Worth the trip. See you there.
→ For schedules, registration, and current information: seapac.org