When last month's column was broadcast, I was on a plane to Beijing with an agenda focused on putting our plans for a Chinese edition of Microwave Journal into action. Well, I am happy to report that the plan is proceeding and we are preparing for the launch of Microwave Journal China. This publication will debut in January, with a distribution to approximately 10,000 Design Engineers and Managers throughout the Mainland. It will feature technical articles from international experts, news, products, analysis and upcoming events, all in simplified Chinese.

Editor David Vye and I will return to China later this month to attend the China International Conference & Exhibition on Microwave and Antenna (IME) in Shanghai, taking place the first week of November. Microwave Journal is a media sponsor of this event and an exhibitor, and we will be promoting our new venture, organizing our China Editorial Review Board and meeting with Chinese manufacturers. I expect that we will see some of our American and European friends at the show as well. We have seen a lot of interest in this publication from our advertisers, and I am happy to announce that we are now ready to take ad orders for the quarterly editions that will be published in 2012. Rates for our inaugural advertisers are quite attractive, so contact your sales representative for details if you are interested in joining us in this new venture.

This week, I am in Manchester, England with several of my MWJ coworkers, at the annual European Microwave Week. This year's event looks to be a successful one, with a sold-out exhibition hall and impressive delegate counts. EuMA and MWJ have jointly organized a "Defence and Security Forum" that will take place on Wednesday of this week. This event features morning sessions on security issues, a "Lunch and Learn" hosted by Strategy Analytics and afternoon sessions focused on Defence related topics featuring an Industry Panel Session on "Radar (and EW) Challenges for the 21st Century". If you are in Manchester, please join us.

On a final note, we are closing our November issue and Mobile Communications supplement this week. David Vye expands on both in his article if you want more detail on the content for each. The supplement is a great way to get your message in front of the Mobile World Congress audience, as the publication will be distributed in Barcelona again next year.

In addition to David's piece, you will find an article that provides a different take on the utility of Social Media for business and another that provides some tips on creating a marketing plan; a timely piece for many. Speaking of planning, we have the 2012 Editorial Calendar ready for your review to assist in your planning for next year.

It should be an exciting year ahead. We have several other major announcements to come, but I will save them for next time. In the meantime, enjoy the foliage and have a Happy Halloween.

Cheers,

Carl Sheffres