Aloha! IMS2017 has six consecutive days of the latest developments in RF/microwave technology and applications in the form of workshops, short courses, plenary session, technical sessions, interactive forums, panel sessions and other formats. Plus it has various receptions, awards ceremonies and company-sponsored events where attendees can interact and network outside of the exhibition or technical program. The exhibition will feature more than 400 companies covering a wide variety of products from devices to components to software and test equipment.
The IMS2017 Steering Committee has added several new initiatives to enhance the experience during Microwave Week:
- A joint MTT-S/ComSoc-sponsored IEEE 5G Summit featuring two half-day programs beginning on Monday, followed by a 5G Executive Forum on Tuesday.
- Dedicated Exhibit Hours on Wednesday to ensure that even the most die-hard technical attendees have an opportunity to visit the show floor.
- Exhibitor Workshops that offer exhibitors an opportunity to provide hands-on, practical training in areas.
- The first-ever IMS Hackathon–a fast-paced competition where participants use basic microwave theory and design techniques to build a simple device on the fly, without using any CAD software or tools other than a calculator and internet references.
- The inaugural Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®), in which student and young professional finalists who have had a paper accepted to IMS give a non-specialist, three-minute presentation aided only by a single static slide.
In addition to these new initiatives, there is an array of activities highlighting several focus groups.
Young Professionals in Microwaves aims to encourage and engage the next generation of microwave professionals in the IEEE. This year they are hosting an interactive panel and networking event. Enjoy drinks, food and lively conversation between attendees and panelists who will be sharing some of their personal experiences and tips for being a microwave professional.
Women in Microwaves (WIM) is coordinating three events this year: a panel session, a special technical session and a networking event. The WIM panel session will be open for the first time to our STEM participants, to encourage young women interested in engineering. A social and networking event will occur after the panel session and offers a chance to meet with the panelists as well as other WIM. IMS2017 also debuts a special technical session called “Women in Defense,” showcasing the work of leading women microwave engineers in the defense field.
The STEM program introduces a diverse and highly motivated group of middle and high school students and teachers to the world of professional microwave engineering. Students participate in a structured agenda of STEM experiences with members of the microwave community designed to further encourage interest and engagement in STEM subjects and careers.
The Project Connect program provides outreach to underrepresented minority groups in the microwave field. Approximately 30 undergraduate and graduate student applicants attend IMS2017 through a travel grant and participate in a three-day agenda designed to expose them to the microwave engineering community and current research and industry.
For newcomers, try the RF Boot Camp, a one day course ideal for beginners in the microwave world and the workshop, “From Bits to Waves: Building a Modern Digital Radio in 1 Day,” a fun and interactive short course where participants learn the basic theory of modern digital radios as well as the RF circuits and systems used to build them.
Whether you are an IMS veteran or a first-time attendee, IMS2017 invites you to Catch the Wave and experience what’s new at IMS2017!