IMS 2007 Frequently Asked Questions

No. Paper submission had one of the highest numbers in our IMS history which translated into a very strong and interesting over-all technical program, workshops and tutorials hit record high both in their sheer numbers and also in their variety of subjects to choose from, exhibitor space and their other metric numbers are not significantly smaller than in other years, housing blocks are actually getting close to sold out completely for the most popular dates - all data tends to show that this year's Microwave Week will not be any smaller or otherwise different from the previous ones. Despite some fear last year about the US and world economy, both are strong; stocks are inching up and our microwave and RF business segment is nicely booming all around. If you were counting on skipping the IMS this year, or cutting it shorter or smaller - don't get caught at surprise because likely you will just miss it!

It is not really true. Certainly, travel from the East Coast or Europe might cost you slightly more - it actually depends on how early and carefully you shop around for your ticket. Note that airfares are significantly higher this last year compared to prices 3-4 years ago; planes are usually very full and it is generally speaking not a "travelers' market" but this would be true for any other US destination cities as well. On the other hand, travel from the Pacific Rim would be actually less expensive to Hawaii than to most any mainland US cities. Also, the hotel costs are only less than 10% above prices we have seen in San Francisco or Long Beach in absolute $$$ values, and this holds true even without adjusting for some year-to-year inflation. Be aware that we will have four bus routes in Honolulu, so if you can get into some of the farther away relatively inexpensive hotels around Waikiki, you are likely be still all right by using our bus transportation service. Finally, as a great example for inexpensive food: the Headquarter Hotel, the Hilton Hawaiian Village, has an ABC store within property - and generally speaking very reasonable food cost can be found most everywhere in Waikiki if you're just willing to look around a bit.

3) I always hesitated,... but should I become an IEEE member now and take advantage of the reduced rates?

Yes, you should. Not because (or not only because) with the IEEE rate all registration fees are significantly lower both during advanced registration and on-site registration, but because you will also benefit handsomely from the membership in many other ways. Here is one extra tip: while you are at it, sign up and become member of the MTT Society for just a few extra $$$, as well. You will get connected into the MTT Society of 10,000+ microwave and RF experts instantaneously.

4) I can not make reservation for all the nights I wanted in the same hotel of my first choice. What should I do to avoid the need for hotel hopping?

Fill out the Hotel Reservation Form and fax it over to the Housing Bureau at (732)465-6447 as soon as possible, where one of the specialists will help you optimize your stay and possibly even get the nights for you that are not available through the automated reservation system. Alternately, you could also mail or e-mail the application instead, to the appropriate address given in the Form

5) So many things to organize simultaneously for my Hawaii trip, like travel and hotel with conflicting availabilities, guest program needs, etc. Where do I start?

Well, we believe all information is available and linked to our official web-site to make your IMS 2007 trip to Hawaii pleasant and successful. Start with the Complete Program Book [.pdf] and IMS2007 Technical Program (with abstracts) links within the http://www.ims2007.org web-site to choose events/dates that you want to attend. Then, use the Hotel Information, IMS 2007 Hotels, Travel Booking (online), Advance Registration (online), and Guest Program Registration (online) links, respectively - which are all designed to help you in making good and easy choices. Also, don't forget to sign up for becoming an IEEE/MTT member (if you are not already one) PRIOR to your registration is processed to take full advantage of the reduced rates offered exclusively for members. Have fun!

6) If I am registered already for IMS events as a non-member, can I get registration fee refund becoming an IEEE/MTT member after the registration process is completed?

No. The simple reason is that currently the reimbursement process is prohibitively complicated. Please, make sure you are a member already BEFORE you get your registration processed because there will be absolutely no refund for that reason (this is similar to prior years' practice). However, for new (add-on) registration portion you could use new membership discount at any later time instantaneously. Besides, you will immediately become part of the IEEE/MTT exclusive group of professionals.

7) When I signed up for IEEE membership as a new member, I did not get my member number instantaneously. Can I still sign up using the reduced fee member rate?

Yes, you can but you should not leave the IEEE membership sign-up for last day. If you call in (or call back if you signed up over the phone) the IEEE Headquarters toll-free number 1-(800)678-4333 USA & Canada 1-(732) 981-0060 Worldwide within a couple or few days after the sign-up has been initiated, the friendly phone operators in the Membership Division are able to look-up your newly created member number by using your name or address. This delay is there because the sign-up process actually has some manual portion and it takes a couple or few days to process it; your member number is not showing up in the system until this internal process is completed. In this way you don't have to wait until your new IEEE membership card arrives in the mail in 3-6 weeks. Remember, you will need your 8-digit membership number during the registration process.

8) My employer/company will still not send me to IMS 2007 because they consider it a boondoggle. How can I convince my boss that it isn't?

Well, it is a tough one to change settled employer's perceptions, good luck to you in trying it. However, perhaps the following true story might further help you (besides the detailed reasoning we gave already in answer for FAQ #1). Remember the Las Vegas IMS, way back in the early '90s? Many were saying the same thing about that particular IMS, i.e. that people just want to get into the "Sin City" and enjoy life and gamble wile at the IMS; and all that. We actually had to cross the gambling floor with the myriads of Black Jacks even to get to our events, every day. The fact is IMS can not go back to Las Vegas, ever - the city has lost revenue on us. Sorry to put it in this way, but the truth is that Las Vegas gambling or not, we are apparently a "geek enough" group for we would not give up on our events at the Microwave Week for some gambling joy! Now, at this year's IMS, will some people take on the opportunity and actually enjoy Hawaii? Yes, but probably by means of extending their business trip and by adding a few extra days to the trip as a small vacation (many with families) instead. It is not going to become a boondoggle at all!

9) Unfortunately, I did not start my IMS planning and travel arrangements until recently. Can I now create an ad-hoc trip and still attend?

Yes. It is surprising this year that good airfares are not sold out (in early April) and still decent prices could be found except for most popular dates. So, if you are willing to be a bit flexible, one trick you could go with is to add a few extra days for a private or mini-vacation, but not after the event as many of us we heard are planning on to do - but actually prior to IMS. Since many schools are out around early June, there is a Dirac-delta kick in airfare prices at around June 1st; so, you might still find some bargain tickets for the last week(s) of May. (Of course, this would not work very well for you if you are the type of engineer who furiously still works on his/her presentation the days before the Symposium starts...).

Important Dates

On-site Registration Opens

    2 June 2007

IMS2007

    3-8 June 2007