The theme of European Microwave Week 2010 is Connecting the World. The theme not only relates to the technological connection that attracts visitors from around the globe, but also the development and nurturing of the human and personal connections that are vital for the industry to evolve, flourish and progress. That sentiment was epitomised by last night’s Agilent Technologies sponsored EuMW Welcome Reception that has become an established and popular event that brings together delegates for the Week’s four conferences and the exhibitors from the European Microwave Exhibition, giving them the rare opportunity to meet, interact and network.
The reception began with three speeches from the 2010 EuMW Conference Chairman, Gilles Dambrine, his successor for Manchester in 2011, Ian Hunter, and Agilent Technologies’ South Europe Middle East and Africa Sales Manager, Electronic Measurements Group, Olivier Grimaud.
Dambrine began by welcoming everyone and thanking them for their attendance and support. In particular, he thanked Agilent for their continued sponsorship, which is now in its eighth year, before acknowledging the efforts of his team and Horizon House in making this year’s European Microwave Week a success so far.
After introducing his organisational team, Ian Hunter promised, “We have a very good event planned in Manchester for 2011.” He pointed out that although, on paper, EuMW 2011 returns to the same central Manchester venue as in 2006, since then ‘Manchester Central’ has not only undergone a name change but has also been the subject of a €35 million refurbishment, making it a “fantastic” venue in Hunter’s opinion.
He emphasised the convenience of the conference/exhibition centre, which has 2,500 hotel rooms within a five minute walk and he also stated that through Manchester University the intention is to organise student accommodation for those on lower budgets. He finished by offering an invitation to join him and his team in Manchester from October 9, 2011.
Completing the speeches, Olivier Grimaud said, “Agilent is delighted to host this reception.” He explained how the sponsorship is an extension of the “company’s mission to be the measurement partner for all scientists and engineers in the industry.” He stated that Agilent’s commitment to European Microwave Week extends beyond its Platinum sponsorship to its focus on making the event a launch pad and platform for showcasing its RF and microwave innovation, which is illustrated by the 240 m² Agilent Stand that features 26 demo set-ups.
The company also ended the evening by demonstrating its generosity with a prize draw where Arij Farhat of Telecom Bretagne, France, and Andre Mario Salvetti of Saltech, Brazil, each won a U1253B handheld multimeter and Agilent T-shirt. Their geographical diversity perfectly illustrating that EuMW 2010 is indeed Connecting the World.
