Organizers of Laser World of Photonics 2009, which opened here today, were relieved to report that the industry picture looked good, evidenced by growth in this year’s conference. The international trade fair attracted 1040 exhibitors, compared to 1008 two years ago, filling four halls, instead of the three in 2007. Visitation too was expected to grow, with a conservative estimate of 24,000 attendees. Considered to be the world’s leading trade fair for photonics technologies, Laser World of Photonics over the next four days will present new and current applications and trends from industry and research. Prof. Dr. h. c. Lothar Späth Industrial & Political Visionary