EuCAP'2010: Not Raking Over the Ashes

Abstract

On April 15,2010, an unusual natural phenomenon turned the world upside down. The Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull, dormant for 200 years, started to erupt, melting ice and sending ashes into the high atmosphere. This huge mass of ash forced the cancellation of many flights and disrupted air traffic across northern Europe, stranding thousands of passengers, and provoking one of the worst airspace crises ever. The airport of Barcelona, Spain, like most European airports, could not escape from this closure, and many tourists and businessmen were stuck for some days at the Catalan metropolis. “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” said someone. This was the thought of many delegates of the fourth edition of the European Conference on Antennas and Propagation, which took place from April 12-16, 2010, at the Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB). Many of them decided to take some extra days to visit the city. Others, less lucky, rediscovered the old days of slow traveling, and with wise combinations of bus, train, and boats were able to travel to as far as Helsinki, Finland. However, all will remember EuCAP'2010 not only for its unusual ending, but mainly for the quality and demonstrated success of the conference.