Innovations from more than 600 scientific, technical and educational presentations will be highlighted during The Optical Society’s (OSA) 100th Annual Meeting, Frontiers in Optics (FiO)/Laser Congress (LS) 2016 in Rochester, N.Y October 17th to 20th.
FiO/LS highlights topics in optical science and engineering for academics and industry members. Washington, D.C.-based OSA is celebrating 100 years in optics and photonics with a return to Rochester, the location of the organization’s founding in 1916. The industry has had a major impact on the region’s economy, and OSA’s return to the area recognizes Rochester’s rich history and innovative future in optics.
The Frontiers in Optics Conference is joined by the Annual Meeting of the Division of Laser Science of the American Physical Society, which presents the latest work on laser applications and development, spanning a broad range of topics in physics, biology and chemistry.
“The Optical Society was created in an environment where scientific collaboration was a challenge,” stated Alan E. Willner, 2016 President of The Optical Society and Steven & Kathryn Sample Chair in Engineering, University of Southern California, California, USA. “Our founders, Perley G. Nutting and other optics luminaries in Rochester saw the need to bring together the best scientific minds in industry and academia to share ideas in pursuit of technological breakthroughs. Today, The Optical Society serves as a global catalyst for the science of light.”
An estimated 2,000 conference attendees will be in Rochester for the OSA Annual Meeting. The event is expected to generate more than 3,500 room nights at downtown hotels over the course of the conference.
While in Rochester, visitors will engage in a variety of special exhibitions and events connected to the conference. These events will take place at downtown hotels and the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Of note, the historic Sibley Building – at the heart of downtown revitalization – will be used as the site of the OSA centennial celebration on Wednesday, October 19th.
OSA members and their families will also enjoy a special tour of the National Susan B. Anthony House & Museum, which is the home of the legendary American women’s rights leader during the most politically active period of her life.
“To have The Optical Society return to Rochester for its centennial Annual Meeting speaks volumes on our region’s legacy in the optics industry as well as our future with photonics,” said Don Jeffries, president & CEO of Visit Rochester. “All visitors to Rochester bring economic impact and vitality. But clearly, OSA’s choice of Rochester as the site of its centennial meeting is great for the regional economy and our continued scientific legacy.”
Visit Rochester’s meeting and conventions sales and services team has worked closely with meeting organizers, providing services including staffing assistance, the creation of a microsite for convention attendees, and hosting site visits during the conference planning stages. In addition, Visit Rochester will provide an information booth for attendees in the convention center with details on things to see and do, along with restaurants to visit while they are in Rochester.
For more information on Frontier in Optics, please visit http://www.frontiersinoptics.com/.
ABOUT FiO/LS
The Frontiers in Optics (FiO) 2016 is The Optical Society’s (OSA) 100th Annual Meeting and is being with Laser Science, the 32nd Annual meeting of the American Physical Society (APS) Division of Laser Science (DLS). The two meetings unite the OSA and APS communities for four days of quality, cutting-edge presentations, in-demand invited speakers and a variety of special events spanning a broad range of topics in optics and photonics—the science of light—across the disciplines of physics, biology and chemistry. The exhibit floor will feature leading optics companies, technology products and programs. More information at: www.FrontiersinOptics.org.
ABOUT THE OPTICAL SOCIETY
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org/100.
ABOUT VISIT ROCHESTER
Visit Rochester is the official tourism promotion agency for Greater Rochester and Monroe County. Visit Rochester is a membership organization with over 400 members representing, lodging, retail, restaurants, services, and community organizations. Working together with our members and partners, we strive to provide the best experience to all visitors to our community, including both business and leisure travelers.
# # #
