As 2011 President of the Microwave Theory and Techniques Society, it is my privilege and honor to welcome everyone to the 2011 International Microwave Symposium in Baltimore, Maryland. As a former General Chair of an IMS, I know first-hand the excitement and joy, as well as the challenges, associated with preparing this tremendous annual event. I have worked closely with the IMS2011 Steering Committee during the time preceding IMS, and it is my belief that this IMS will be the best one yet held. Your hosts, the IMS2011 Steering Committee, have focused on not only what has been successful in previous years, but also have "steered" a course around the pitfalls. I have been very impressed by their diligence, fortitude and dedication. The facilities, location and ambience will prove to be enjoyable for attendees and guests, and in the tradition of "Baltimore Past", social events will carry the warm flavor of local customs and cuisine, and no doubt the friendliness and courtesy common to the gentle ambience of Maryland.

As MTT-S President, it is my goal to make sure the IMS provides our community with the highest possible technical content to be found anywhere on the globe. Acceptance is based on intense competition between papers provided by prospective authors, and I know the Baltimore TPRC and TPC will have performed a magnificent (and difficult) job of selection of papers, workshops, tutorials, rump sessions, special sessions, focus session and short courses.

As 2011 is "my year" as MTT-S President, I have a vested interest in this event, and hope to have the opportunity to provide a personal welcome to the entire global microwave engineering, research and production community at IMS2011.

Please join us for IMS2011 in Baltimore,
Richard V. Snyder