Even though the date on the cover of this issue says October, as I write this editorial, it has been only a few weeks since the 2023 IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTT-S) International Microwave Symposium (IMS) closing ceremony occurred in San Diego, CA, USA. The Steering Committee did an outstanding job organizing and running the conference, and IMS 2023 and Microwave Week were back "at full strength" after the pandemic years. The attendance was up to prepandemic levels; the exhibit hall was as busy as I can remember, with as many vendors as I can recall; and one could not walk too far before meeting colleagues from all around the world and stop to have a short conversation, in person. There were many opportunities to learn the latest technologies, both in the technical sessions and on the exhibit floor; network; meet old and new colleagues; and enjoy the area around the San Diego Convention Center. Everyone is looking forward to next year's version in the capital city of the United States, Washington, DC. Speaking about IMS 2024, the call for papers (CFP) is now out and can be found later in the magazine. The fourpage CFP describes the conference themes, the various competitions, and 32 topical areas for you to submit manuscripts for consideration.
