CTU Books 2026 Contest University Textbooks are here! The annual Hamvention contesting seminar text can update your knowledge of contesting, station design and preparations from the leaders in the hobby. Discover what others have learned over decades of operations, as well as new information, techniques, equipment and contesting perspectives. Skip the trial and error; learn how to get the edge to improve your scores and put your station in the winner's circle!

Over the past 19 years, Contest University has been presented over 35 times around the world to teach Radiosport techniques and practices. In addition to the US and Puerto Rico, seven countries have hosted CTUs--Australia, Russia, Germany, Italy, England, Brazil, and Finland. More than 7,000 students have attended these classes where over 90 CTU instructors have shared their contesting experience and expertise.

In the words of CTU Chairman Tim Duffy, K3LR, "Contest University is a platform for sharing ideas and learning new ways to enjoy Amateur Radio Contesting."

CTU program content changes from year to year to cover a myriad of topics. 2026 Contest University Textbooks contain, in print, the complete sets of slides presented by each professor at CTU at the 2026 Dayton Hamvention.

2026 Contest University Textbooks have over 300 pages; most of which are talking-point presentation slides, with two slides per page. However, many pages are devoted to the honor and order of the contesting fraternity. Order your copy today and take the first steps on a life-long journey to becoming a more successful Amateur Radio contest operator.

Topics and Presenters Include:

2026 Dayton Contest University “CTU” – COURSE OUTLINE – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Student Registration and Contest Buffet Breakfast – ALL – 60 minutes

• Welcome to CTU 2026 – K3LR, W8CI & N9JA – ALL – 10 minutes

• Taking Care of our Contesting Sport – K1AR - ALL – 40 minutes

CONTEST TOPIC SESSION #1 – attend ONE of 4 sessions – 60 minutes

• Effective Antennas for Contesting – K2TR

• How the Short Term Dynamics of HF Propagation Affects Contest Strategy – W3LPL

• Hardware Tips & Sage Advice for Average Contest Stations – N4GG

• Inside W0YK and P49X RTTY Contesting – W0YK

CONTEST TOPIC SESSION #2 – attend ONE of 4 sessions – 60 minutes

• Engaging Youth in Contesting; Strategies for Recruiting, Mentoring and Retaining Youth Ops – KN2P

• How to Get the Most Out of your Contest Station – W3LPL

• Adding In-Band Station(s) for Contesting – W9KKN

• Tips to Improve Your FT8-4 Contest Performance – W0YK

CONTEST TOPIC SESSION #3 – attend ONE of 4 sessions – 55 minutes

• Design Approach & Lessons Learned in Building my New Contest Station – K5ZD

• How to Maintain and Take Care of Your Contest Station – W3LPL

• Efficient Operating Techniques, Tactics and Secrets – N6TV

• The Art of Enjoying Both POTA and Contesting Together – NK4O

• 2026 Eyeball Sprint Contest “LIVE” – ALL – PRIZE - 10 minutes – K1DG

• Operating a Contest – How to Have Fun – Why it Matters – K1AR

CONTEST OPEN DISCUSSION Q&A GROUPs Attend ONE of 4 sessions – 30 minutes

• Station Automation Techniques – N6TV

• How to Best Assemble Your Contest Station – N4GG

• Remote Station Ideas and Q&A – W9KKN

• Tower Safety – W3YQ

CONTEST OPEN DISCUSSION Q&A GROUPs Attend ONE of 4 sessions – 30 minutes

• Antenna and Propagation Q&A with Frank – W3LPL

• How to Get the Most Out of Your Contest Station Q&A – K1DG & K5ZD ROOM 3 – RTTY and FT8 Contesting Q&A – W0YK

• Antenna/Tower Reliability – W3YQ

• Latest Performance and Feature Differences Amongst Top Radios – NC0B – ALL

• 2026 CTU Survey & Eyeball Sprint Results – K3LR & K1DG – ALL – 10 minutes