Good news in difficult times!
Early indications are that IMS2009 in Boston will be big success and will break some records. Boston has always been one of the top sites for the IMS, and typically we break every IMS record. These are challenging times so I can’t predict that we’ll break all the records, but we will certainly break some.
There are still more than 4 months before the IMS opens, registration and housing haven’t opened yet, but there are already some indicators of how strong an event IMS will be this year. The leading indicator is booth sales. Booths for the trade show are selling at an all time record pace. Never before have so many booths been sold this far ahead of the symposium. Booths have been selling at a record pace for months, and it isn’t slowing down. Another key indicator is paper submissions. The deadline for paper submissions was in December. As usual the majority of submissions were made in the last few days before the deadline. We received 869 papers for IMS2009, a 12% increase over last year. And while we haven’t set the all time mark, we did beat the previous Boston record from IMS2000.
So why is IMS2009 looking so good, if the times are difficult? IMS is unquestionably the single most important RF and Microwave event worldwide every year. People and companies are showing that this is an event they can’t pass up. In fact, it seems that many are choosing to participate because these are difficult time. How better to increase your exposure, maximize your networking opportunities, learn about the latest technologies and ideas, than to come to the IMS. When times are difficult we all need to work harder and smarter, and attending IMS is one way to do that.
Meanwhile, the IMS2009 committee is working aggressively to make sure the event will be affordable, useful and successful. The technical program will be innovative and top notch. Make sure you scrutinize the Program Book when it is mailed and posted on ims2009.org in March. You will see a strong technical program with innovative features and scheduling. You will even be able to participate in 2 simultaneous events or to participate from afar.
We will also have a number of special features and offer in our registration system. Most notably, Wednesday afternoon exhibit registration will be FREE! This includes the Wednesday Industry hosted reception which will be in the exhibit hall for the first time from 5 to 7pm. We have also introduced 3 registration tiers so the earlier you register the more you save, and there is never a blackout period. We have introduced a SuperPass which gives you the opportunity to register for most of the technical program with a single discounted price. We have even launched a discount program for IMS Alumni (past IMS attendees) between jobs. And we’ve held the line on the price for many of the social events. Make sure to look at our website for details on all these special features and offers.
So there is plenty to be optimistic about, despite the gloomy economic news. IMS2009 is sure to be a success. It will be an event that you won’t want to miss. It will draw exhibitors and attendees from around the world, including the Boston area. It will even break some records. Plan to attend, and see you there!