Paris is renowned for its delicious food and fine wines, and in the first week of October the city will also serve up a mouth-watering array of technology and innovation as the CNIT La Défense, International Conference and Exhibition Centre plays host to the 8th European Microwave Week. The event has been organised to satisfy the appetite of its global attendees and visitors to hear about and discuss new developments, view the latest products, and take the opportunity for professional and personal networking. Not forgetting, too, the opportunity to taste the delights of a sophisticated, vibrant and diverse city.
As part of its five-year cycle to major European cities, the show now returns to the site of the successful millennium year event before moving on to Manchester in 2006 and Munich in 2007. Just what is on the European Microwave Week menu this year? The event initially comprised three conferences; a fourth dedicated to radars was successfully added last year and now means that there are four separate but complementary conferences — GAAS“2005, the European Gallium Arsenide and other Compound Semiconductors Application Symposium; the European Conference on Wireless Technology (ECWT 2005); the 35th European Microwave Conference (EuMC 2005); and the European Radar Conference (EuRAD 2005).
Just as true gastronomy caters for the savoury and the sweet, EuMW organisers have made every effort to appeal to both the scientific and industrial communities. Academically, the most important element is, of course, the scientific programme. As an illustration of its depth and reach, the presentation of various European Networks of Excellence, as well as other major European research programmes have been significantly reinforced.
The increase in the number of papers submitted and accepted from the industrial sector is also significant, reinforced by the industry’s continued support of the three-day European Microwave Exhibition. The exhibition acts as an interactive forum for microwave companies, large and not so large, to showcase and discuss the latest technical developments. It has attracted key players worldwide who will spotlight their latest ranges, provide demonstrations and dispense technical advice. As would be expected, Europe has the largest representation, although the exhibition is increasing its international reputation and has attracted a significant presence from the US and the rapidly growing Asian market. There are also workshops and short courses on various subjects for those wanting to get hands-on experience and guidance direct from the experts.
The conference and exhibition may be the main course, but just as important is the accompaniment of social activities. In particular, the EuMW Welcome Reception is a unique event, encouraging the academic and industrial to mix in a convivial atmosphere. Alongside, there are other social events throughout the week and tourist programmes to enable visitors to sample the intoxicating ambience of Paris.
Like previous European Microwave Weeks, the organisation for 2005 has involved a great deal of preparation. So, on behalf of the Local Organising Committee, we would like to raise a glass and express our gratitude, in particular, to the Technical Programme Committees and the several hundreds of reviewers who have worked very hard, especially considering the impressive increase in the number of papers submitted. Their contribution determines the quality of the four conferences. Also, the organisers of the focused sessions, short courses and workshops are acknowledged for their efforts to offer a good and varied programme.
Like a first class maitres d’, the EuMA Board of Directors has constantly monitored progress and given advice based on long-term experience. Horizon House has continued to build on its expertise gained from previous events to effectively execute the planning, logistics and organisation and through its Web-based paper submission and review system. Last but not least, we should acknowledge the financial and in-kind sponsorship of many industrial enterprises and other organisations, including the French National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS), the French National Space Agency (CNES) and the group of Telecommunications Engineering Schools (GET-ENST).
We believe that we are offering a high standard event with many opportunities for attendees and visitors to establish and maintain the professional and personal networks that are vital for the microwave industry to develop and move forward. We hope this year’s event will be as successful as the last one in Paris in 2000. We look forward to welcoming you at the 8th European Microwave Week and drinking to your good health, prosperity and a successful show.
