For those attending the 2007 MTT-S International Microwave Show at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, HI, there were few surprises. As usual, the technical program, which continues through Friday of this week with the semi-annual Automatic RF Techniques Group (ARFTG) meeting, was strong and well balanced with topics ranging from device and component design to computer-aided-engineering (CAE) software and test and measurement techniques. In spite of the lure of nearby beaches, the technical sessions were well attended, and conference visitors were given their money's worth in terms of qualify and quantity of the technical sessions.
A random sampling of exhibitors would not register the same level of satisfaction. Traffic to the exhibition floor was sporadic, and booth location played a major role in the quality and quantity of the visitors to each booth. For more exhibitors, it was either feast or famine, with even some of the major booths failing to draw the booth traffic of recent MTT-S shows.
Ironically, those questions about why Mini-Circuits didn't come to the MTT-S this year as an exhibitor stopped after the first day of the show. Instead, the questions were turned to statements regarding the vision and brilliance of one Harvey Kaylie of Mini-Circuits in choosing to pass on this year's MTT-S.
By Jack Browne, MWRF Technical Director