Exhibit Update
Welcome to the Exhibits Corner of the IMS Insider. Summer is quickly drawing to a close as kids head back to school and mornings (at least here in Colorado) are beginning to have just enough chill to get one thinking about the change of seasons. For much of the microwave industry that means it’s time start preparing IMS paper and workshop submissions. While the conference program begins to take shape, the exhibition is abuzz with activity, too. Preparing for the IMS exhibition is a year-round project and there is much that is happening behind the scenes on the road to Boston. Exhibitors who have submitted contracts and are working with us at MP Associates to finalize booth locations can attest to the level of activity. In fact, nearly 400 exhibiting companies have already committed to IMS 2009 and we anticipate continuing to grow that number.
IMS was last in Boston in 2000. Since that time Boston has undergone significant changes including a new convention center, completing (then fixing) the “Big Dig” highway project, new hotel projects, and improved public transportation. IMS will reap the benefits of these changes in the form of the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The BCEC is a hub of revitalization in South Boston that includes new hotels, and the ”T” Silver Line, which allows public transportation access to the BCEC. The BCEC is a state of the art convention center that, while not as centrally located as the Hynes, represents a substantial facility improvement. Chief among the benefits are wireless internet throughout the building, excellent access for both freight and busing, high ceilings that create an open feel, large registration areas and plenty of meeting space. While it’s not inexpensive, we expect it to be a terrific venue for both exhibitors and attendees.
Where Boston really shines is in its location, which offers a convergence of factors that historically have led to record attendance and exhibitor participation. New England has a high concentration of microwave and RF companies and customers. Boston is easily accessible from New York, Philadelphia, and Washington and Logan International Airport offers excellent access from airports around the world for IMS’ increasingly international participation. Sounds like the perfect opportunity for customers and companies to meet.
Now is a great time for companies to sign up to exhibit. For those that are already signed up it’s time to begin mapping out how you can rise above the competition by being a part of the sponsorship program. There are a number of sponsorship and advertising opportunities available to meet exhibitors’ promotional goals. Sponsorship benefits start at the most basic level but the highest degree of exposure is reached by Gold and Platinum partners. To find out more about exhibiting or sponsorship, contact MP Associates.
Finally, this section of the IMS Insider is available monthly to cover exhibit related topics. In the spirit of the conference Call for Papers we welcome your participation. Contributed article are accepted and I welcome your comments or suggestions for article topics. IMS happens for five days in June but the conversations should continue throughout the year.
For more information, please contact:
Lee Wood
MP Associates, Inc.
lee@mpassociates.com
Tel: +1 303.530.4562 ext. 112or
Richard Knight
Sales Manager
MP Associates, Inc.
rich@mpassociates.com
tel: +1 303.530.4562 ext. 130