On behalf of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) International Microwave Symposium 2025 (IMS2025) Steering Committee, it is our distinct pleasure to invite you to San Francisco, California, for IMS2025, taking place 10–15 June at the Moscone Center. A dedicated team of more than 50 volunteers has been working diligently for years to create a unique and enriching experience for all attendees. After nine long years, we are thrilled to return to the “City by the Bay” and host IMS2025 and its related events in this world-renowned destination. Our steering committee—comprised of both experienced and emerging leaders—is committed to making IMS2025 an unforgettable experience.
About San Francisco
San Francisco’s history dates back to 1776, when Spanish settlers established an outpost named for the native Yerba Buena plant. In 1847, the settlement adopted its current name, San Francisco. Often affectionately referred to by locals as “The City,” San Francisco has evolved significantly since IMS last visited in 2016. IMS2025 will be held at the centrally located Moscone Center, providing easy access to everything San Francisco has to offer.
The Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area, California’s second-largest metropolitan region, spans about 7,000 square miles and is home to more than seven million people. This diverse and dynamic region comprises nine counties and includes major cities like Santa Rosa, Oakland, San Jose, and, of course, San Francisco. It also encompasses Silicon Valley, the cradle of countless high-tech startups and pioneering companies such as Hewlett Packard, Intel, Apple, Nvidia, Google, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
The Bay Area’s leadership in high-tech and wireless industries has fostered a community rich in innovation, entrepreneurship, and
engineering talent. Not surprisingly, the region boasts some of the world’s top universities—such as the University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University; and the University of California, San Francisco—further fueling its status as a global innovation hub.
San Francisco itself, with a population of about one million residents in a mere 47 square miles, is the cultural, commercial, and financial centerpiece of Northern California. It is the second most densely populated city in the United States, after New York City. In recent years, a surge in startups and emerging technologies has infused the city with fresh energy, particularly in social media, mobile communications, wearables and AI. Young professionals gravitate to the city for its vibrant lifestyle, world-class dining, and cultural diversity.
Getting Around
San Francisco’s compact downtown area means that many hotels and attractions are within walking distance of the Moscone Center. Beyond walking, visitors can choose from an array of transportation options. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system offers convenient links to other parts of the Bay Area, including the San Francisco International Airport. San Francisco’s iconic cable car system, the last manually operated network in the world, remains a beloved attraction. The city also offers light-rail systems, ferries, buses, and driverless taxis to ensure seamless exploration of the region.
Things to Do
Downtown San Francisco brims with diverse restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions within steps of the conference site. Sports enthusiasts can take in a baseball game at the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park, just a short stroll from the convention center. Iconic 
neighborhoods—Union Square, the Mission District, Chinatown, and Japan town—each offer unique cultural experiences.
No visit is complete without exploring famed landmarks like Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Lombard Street. The Golden Gate Bridge, a 1.7-mile-long suspension masterpiece, is one of the most photographed and admired structures in the world, representing a pinnacle of modern engineering and design.
San Francisco also boasts Pier 39, Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, the Asian Art Museum, the Exploratorium, the Cable Car Museum, and the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. With sweeping vistas, a stunning shoreline, vibrant cultural activities, world-class cuisine, and inspired art and music scenes, it is easy to see how one can “leave their heart in San Francisco,” as the famous Tony Bennett song suggests. Consistently ranked among the world’s top destinations, San Francisco remains a beacon for travelers and innovators alike.
Invitation to Experience IMS2025
The success of IMS2025 depends on your participation, and we have prepared a superb technical program and exhibition. Take advantage of early-bird registration to secure the best hotel accommodations, airfare, and other travel options. For more information, visit our website at https://ims-ieee.org.
San Francisco remains a dynamic, culturally diverse city, shaped by its rich international influences and historic Mexican American heritage,
and well known as one of America’s most inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly destinations. It is a place where tradition and innovation coexist, offering visitors a window to the past alongside a glimpse into the future. Come and experience a truly remarkable city that stands as both a global technology powerhouse and an unforgettable destination.
We look forward to welcoming you to IMS2025 and the extraordinary city of San Francisco. Should you have any questions about the conference, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the steering committee. With all that IMS2025 and San Francisco have to offer, your time here is sure to be both enjoyable and productive.
We look forward to seeing you in June 2025!