history – IMAS 2025

Origins and Motivation

IMAS traces its roots to the Professional Group on Microwave Theory and Techniques (PGMTT), established in 1952 under the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE). Initial gatherings were modest—about 210 participants in New York, presenting around ten technical papers.
By 1957, PGMTT hosted its first “National Symposium” in New York, marking the transition toward what would become the annual event now known as IMS or IMAS.

Transition to International Scale

In 1963, the IRE merged with the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) to form the IEEE. Shortly thereafter, the symposium was rebranded as international, in efforts to attract global attendees.
International participation grew steadily; by 1967 attendance swelled to about 794, supported by sponsorship for attendees from Japan and Europe.

Expansion and Commercialization

In 1972, a commercial exhibition was introduced alongside the technical program, despite initial resistance. It became a regular, highly profitable feature, transforming the conference into a hybrid industry-academic event.
The symposium continued growing: by 1983 in Boston, attendance reached 5,128 with over 276 submitted papers and 166 presented across five days.
In 1995, the conference officially adopted the name International Microwave Symposium (IMS), bringing together MTT‑S, RFIC, and ARFTG under one umbrella.

Contemporary IMAS: Africa’s Fast-Growing Venue

IMAS 2023: Cairo, Egypt
Hosted February 6–9, 2023, at the German University in Cairo. It was the first IEEE-sponsored pan-African IMAS, organized jointly by IEEE’s Antennas & Propagation Society (APS) and Microwave Theory & Techniques Society (MTT‑S).

IMAS 2024: Marrakech, Morocco
The 2nd edition, held October 21–24, 2024, focused on antennas and microwave technologies for sustainable development. Organized under IEEE’s technical sponsorship and aligned with local institutions like Abdelmalek Essaaidi University.

IMAS 2025: Nairobi, Kenya
The 3rd edition, scheduled for October 20–23, 2025, with the theme “From Savannah to Skyline: Microwave & Antenna Technologies for Africa’s Growth.” This installment is the largest IEEE-supported RF‑antenna event in Africa.
It is jointly sponsored by IEEE MTT‑S and APS, featuring a robust program of panels, workshops, tutorials, invited/keynote presentations, and networking events.

Evolution Summary

1952–1956: PGMTT Symposium (IRE) – Small, regional, around 210 participants
1957: PGMTT National Symposium – First large annual symposium outside Northeast
1963–1967: IEEE International Symposium – IRE merges with AIEE; renamed for global scope
1972–1980s: IMS with Exhibition – Trade show added; rapid growth in attendees, papers, and sponsors
1995 onward: IMS (broad technical event) – Includes RFIC, ARFTG; becomes IEEE flagship RF/microwave conference
2023–2025: IMAS (Africa-hosted IEEE IMAS) – IEEE‑APS & IEEE‑MTT‑S jointly organize IMAS cycles in Egypt, Morocco, Kenya

Strategic Significance and Trends

Pan-African IEEE Presence: IMAS marks a pivotal shift in IEEE strategy by creating premier microwave/antenna events on African soil—enabling local academic‑industry engagement and broader representation.

Local Ownership and Leadership: The events are collaboratively organized with local institutions (e.g. University of Cairo, Moroccan universities, University of Nairobi) and include strong involvement from IEEE Young Professional networks.