It is this industry’s most recognized and regularly attended trade show: The IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS). Held recently (June 12-14, 2018) in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, the IMS attracted more than 600 exhibiting companies and thousands of attendees, including those of us from SLN who were there to help exhibitors. It is an important educational event for this industry, but also a much-anticipated opportunity for the industry to catch up. Much thanks to all who said “hello” at the 2018 IMS.

SLN has long considered this industry and its clients as family. Of course, every family has its ups and downs, but, hopefully, in the end, we work together to the betterment of all. The general tone in Philadelphia was upbeat and friendly, with exhibitors and visitors alike reflecting the mood of a town long known for its hospitality and open arms and acknowledged for anticipating the needs of its visitors.

Anticipation, in fact, may be the single most-appropriate word to summarize the recent 2018 IMS exhibition. Many exhibitors were showing well-known products and services, often for military and defense electronics applications such as portable radios, EW systems, and radar. But, more than ever, the 2018 IMS exhibition was a growing collection of companies looking to the future and what it will mean to this industry, in terms of such applications as Fifth Generation (5G) wireless communications networks, expanding satellite communications (satcom) systems, and “self-driving” autonomous vehicles, using millimeter-wave radars and other technologies to guide cars through traffic without a hand on the wheel. And all this with the help of RF/microwave electronics.

The 2018 IEEE IMS Exhibition marked a turning point for this industry, very similar to the early 1990’s, when cellular telephones started to take hold. This is the start of a period where RF/microwave technology is about to be used for more applications than ever before, and where many manufacturers will be pushed to their limits to keep pace with demands. This industry has shown its adaptability and vitality throughout its history, and SLN has been proud to be a part of this industry through its changes and transitions. See you in Boston!