If you are a delegate or workshop attendee, IMS 2015 is just 4 short days away! For exhibitors, like us at Zentech Manufacturing, we have 6 days until the doors open to the exhibit hall. Either way, don't blink, because we are just days away from the world’s largest international gathering of RF and Microwave professionals in the world!

Being my 7th consecutive IMS, I would ordinarily feel right at home at this show. But two major changes are making me feel like a newcomer and filling me with conflicting feelings of  excitement and nervousness. First of all, I have made a professional transition from the RF/MW bare board industry, to the much broader and complex world of an engineering-focused Contract Manufacturer. Zentech Manufacturing is located in Baltimore, just outside of our nation’s capitol, and is the premiere supplier to the DoD, DARPA, DoN and all the Prime defense contractors in that region. They also are serve Telecom, Medical and Space industries. Which means, of course, they handle a lot of RF and Microwave product! (I remain a Southern California native, forging Western expansion for Zentech). Naturally this change of perspective, to a far broader landscape, has been very exciting--and nerve wracking--as I exhibit for the first time at IMS as part of the Zentech team. I feel as though I'm bring my new super-smart and capable friends to meet my old super-smart and capable friends--and hoping desperately they like each other as much as I enjoy them all! 

The second shift in perspective is from that of exhibitor/participant, to a member of the IMS steering committee. My friend, John Woods, invited me to join the publicity committee this year, and it has been a blast and very eye-opening! Having served on committees many times, I had always marveled at the scope of work this committee tackles year after year. Concluding my service on this year's steering committee has only served to give me more respect and gratitude for this body of already-busy professionals who volunteer tirelessly to make this a fantastic experience every year. My primary role was lending a hand on the social media front, which came as naturally as breathing air. It’s been a lot of fun. Another aspect of my role was to help develop this year's mascots--which has felt more like play than work--and I can't wait to see how you will all respond to our vision! However, coupled with the excitement to unveil our creations at IMS, is a nervous sense of introducing thousands of RF/MW professionals to our first-born children and hoping they, too, are warmly embraced!

So now, if you see me wandering the exhibit hall with a look of ecstasy blended with terror, you will know why! Thankfully, my excitement far outweighs my nerves. So be sure to keep your eyes wide open! The final countdown has begun, and the launch of IMS is eminent. I hope you are as delighted with this year's mascots as we are!

My greatest thrill and anticipation remains unchanged, which is to see all of you there! Please visit me at my new "home" at Zentech's booth #633, and let me introduce you to my new "family!"