The 2011 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium is in Baltimore this year with the venue being the Convention Center and hotels surrounding the beautiful Inner Harbor. The theme for IMS 2011 is Microwaves for the World with our emphasis on bringing together world experts who will be showcasing how our science, technology and profession have globally benefited mankind.
Since Baltimore last hosted the IMS in 1998, the Inner Harbor area revitalization has continued. The Convention Center is centrally located just a block from the Inner Harbor, assuring attendees of quick and easy pedestrian access to a multitude of restaurants, attractions and official IMS 2011 hotels.
In addition to Microwave Week’s technical programs and exhibition, the main IMS events will be Monday evening’s Plenary Session and Welcome Reception, Wednesday evening’s Awards Banquet, and Thursday evening’s Crab Feast. The Crab Feast is a unique feature of IMS when it comes to Baltimore and should not be missed; however, space is limited, so buy your tickets early.
Technical Programs
Microwave Week is June 5th through June 10th this year. In addition to the International Microwave Symposium (www.ims2011.org) you will be able to participate in the Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit Symposium (www.rfic2011.org) and the 77th Automatic Radio Frequency Techniques Group Conference (www.arftg.org).
IMS 2011 is honored to have Professor J. David Rhodes deliver this year’s Monday evening IMS Plenary Address, Migration of 4G LTE into Existing Cellular Networks, at 5:30 PM June 6th in the fourth floor Ballroom of the Baltimore Convention Center.
The IMS 2011 Technical Program Committee, under the leadership of Ramesh Gupta, Technical Program Chair, has assembled an outstanding international program. This year’s Microwave Week combined technical program consists of over 1000 technical presentations. IMS has many Special and Focus Sessions that highlight both the diversity and global reach of our profession. We have something for everyone, from emerging areas like RF Nanotechnologies to applied, life-saving, applications such as high-field-strength MRI. There are Workshops and Short Courses designed to educate and enlighten you in new areas of your profession. IMS is where it is at for continuing education as well as networking with colleagues from around the world. We also think you will be intrigued and fascinated by all of the student activities during Microwave Week. These future leaders of our profession and industry will be in Baltimore for Microwave Week.
Exhibition
The world’s largest microwave industry exhibition is collocated with IMS 2011. As I write this we are nearing 900 booths from nearly 550 exhibitors. Microwave Week is where you can quickly and easily connect with all the leading vendors of hardware, software and services within the microwave industry. In addition, we have an intriguing Historical Exhibit, which showcases both the evolution of our technology and its revolutionary impact on the world.
MicroApps continues to expand and improve with 56 different presentations on readily available state-of-the-art instrumentation, software and services. A new MicroApps feature for 2011 is a Panel Session on nonlinear measurements at noon on Wednesday. Please stop by the MicroApps Theater, prominently located on the exhibit floor, to learn from the experts.
Exhibition hours are Tuesday, June 7th 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday, June 8th 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Thursday, June 9th 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. On Wednesday, there will be the Industry Hosted Cocktail Reception on the exhibit floor starting at 5:15 PM.
Visiting Baltimore
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is the most convenient airport for accessing Baltimore. We suggest the Light Rail line, which for less than $2 will take you from BWI to the Convention Center and Hilton in about 20 minutes. Official IMS 2011 hotels are all within a short walk.
Baltimore in early June has an amiable climate and is a wonderful place to bring family and friends. We will have a family friendly hospitality suite in the Hilton and are putting together an innovative guest program featuring self-guided tours with packages of discount tickets, in addition to a few formal tours.
With Baltimore being centrally located on the east coast, you do not have to go far to find the culturally and historically rich cities of Washington, DC, Annapolis, MD, and Philadelphia, PA. Nearby are the beautiful sand beaches of the Mid-Atlantic oceanfront, the vistas and hiking trails of the Appalachian Mountains, the Chesapeake Bay for sailing, world-class golf courses, miles of equestrian trails, and many quaint villages with antique shops and bed-and-breakfast inns.
Now you know why our logo illustrates our slogan: IMS 2011 in Baltimore: A Perfect Match. So grab your camera, and with your family and friends, join us at IMS 2011 in Baltimore beginning June 5th to reinvigorate your career, your mind and your life. Heck, you might even bring your supervisor; it would probably do him good to focus on engineering again.
We encourage you to visit the IMS 2011 website (www.ims2011.org) to obtain further information and details that will help you enjoy your visit. On behalf of our Steering Committee, see you soon at IMS 2011!
