Carl Sheffres, Microwave Journal Publisher

I'm writing this while drinking a Starbucks coffee in downtown Seattle. Fittingly, it's cold and rainy, but the coffee is good. I'm on a reconnaissance mission for the annual IMS event, having not had the pleasure to visit this fine city since the last time we all gathered for this event in the Pacific Northwest. The Convention Center is well located in the heart of downtown, with an excellent assortment of restaurants and bars, and the waterfront is a short and pleasant walk away. Hopefully the weather will be warmer and drier come June.

A reflection on 2012 and a look ahead to 2013 and what is in store for Microwave Journal

Although we’re only in early August and there’s plenty of summer left, we’re already in serious planning mode for the annual European Microwave Week event. This year’s show will take place in Amsterdam during the last week of October and all signs point to a successful event.

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable July 4th, Canada Day or found some reason to take some extra time off this month to recover from the hectic schedules we all endure. I certainly found the brief respite helpful after a busy Microwave Week in Montreal and the normal digging-out upon my return.

I’m just back from a road trip to Montréal, where we scouted party venues and familiarized ourselves with the downtown area. I had not had the pleasure of visiting Montréal for many years, and I have to say, it’s a really nice city. The Old Port area feels very European, with cobbled streets and little shops and pubs. The Sainte Catherine Street area is a more upscale mix of retail and entertainment, with a bustling nightlife. The convention center is situated between these two areas, with a fairly short walk to either. I was glad to see Chinatown close by the CC, offering the opportunity for my favorite lunch selections during the show. I think that Montréal is going to be an enjoyable venue for attendees of this year’s IMS.

A brief look at what is in store for MWJ in 2012 including the new web site, Microwave Journal China and more.