Laser Focus World and OIDA announce a new conference/exhibition, OPTOmism: Photonics for the Green Revolution

Laser Focus World, the leading photonics-industry trade publication, and the Optoelectronics Industry Development Association (OIDA), a not-for-profit association that serves as the nexus for vision, transformation, and growth of the photonics and optoelectronics industry, recently announced a new conference and exhibition, OPTOmism: Photonics for the Green Revolution, to be held at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA, May 18-20, 2009.

As the global community increasingly recognizes the importance of energy conservation, thinking "green," and low carbon footprints, the photonics and optoelectronics industry is gearing up to provide many of the solutions that will enable the "Green Revolution."

From highly efficient solid-state lighting to clean manufacturing using laser processing, and from new low-power display and communications technologies to photovoltaic energy generation, the photonics industry will deliver solutions that enable greater efficiency, smaller carbon footprints, and promote economic growth.

This new conference and exhibition will bring increased focus to the growing role that photonics is playing in global efforts to "live green." A broad range of senior speakers from government, industry, and academia will enable attendees to find out about the technology, business, and regulatory aspects of this fast-growing field.

Notes OIDA CEO Michael Lebby, "OPTOmism is not just about the future of photonics, but about the future of our planet and how photonics will support a 'green' lifestyle." At OPTOmism, senior industry executives, researchers, engineers, and investors will have an opportunity to examine many of these technologies, explore their business implications, and review technology roadmaps.

In addition, OPTOmism will attract companies that supply manufacturing equipment, materials, and components to related markets such as solid-state lighting, photovoltaics, and optical sensing. The green photonic components market will exceed $100 billion by 2010, according to the OIDA.

"Nowhere else is there a gathering of these technologies and the people who deploy them--this is a must-see show for optoelectronics companies pushing a 'green' theme," said Lebby.

Christine Shaw, Senior Vice President/Publishing Director of PennWell, said, "Photonics technologies have already penetrated almost every aspect of our daily lives and are fast becoming an increasingly important facet of the emerging green revolution. The launch of OPTOmism reflects this trend and the significance of photonics to the future of managing our environment and conserving global resources. OPTOmism will become the premier showcase for green technologies and the exciting new products they enable."

This new event will kick-off with a one-day "Green Business" executive forum for senior decision makers from photonics and optoelectronics manufacturers, users and investors. Key topics will include "green" market overviews, market access, business models, and valued chain issues.

Integral to the launch of OPTOmism will be an awards program designed to recognize and promote excellence and innovation in the marketing, business, and technology of green photonics.

"By recognizing leadership and rewarding creative solutions to the many aspects of supporting a green lifestyle, we hope to foster the growth of sustainable technologies within the photonics arena," said David Huff, VP of Marketing and Business Development at OIDA.

Shaw noted that the launch of OPTOmism is a perfect fit with PennWell's already established brands that will be used to cross-market the event. "PennWell owns Industrial Laser Solutions magazine, Lightwave magazine and Renewable Energy World magazine.

Recently strengthening in the renewables sector PennWell acquired renewableenergyaccess.com, thus creating an entire franchise in the industry, including the leading renewable energy web site, the magazine, a U.S. based event and a European based event.

PennWell also owns Strategies in Light, a U.S. based event that has drawn international attendance and grown exponentially over the last few years and recently announced the LED Japan/Strategies in Light event that will be held in October of this year," Shaw said.

For information on sponsoring or exhibiting at OPTOmism, contact: Jay Novack, Event Director and Sales Director at 603-891-9186, or at [email protected]. For information on attending OPTOmism, visit http://www.optomismshow.com.