"From Devices to Network Applications" is the theme of submissions to the European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communication (ECOC), which this year has received nearly 1000 proposals -- a record -- for technical papers. The conference will be held Sept. 25-29 at Palais des Festivals et Des Congres in Cannes, France. Topics include technology in optics, broadband, FTTx (fiber-to-the-home/curb/neighborhood) and network solutions. The show will also feature a seminar series concentrating on the European market, IPTV, metro and core network status and FTTx in Europe, in addition to an exhibition. Simon Kears, Nexus Media marketing manager, said many of the submissions are about broadband and access, reflecting the growing role optics has in underpinning the world's converged networks. He added that nearly 20 percent of papers are from Japan this year. ECOC will also launch an FTTx resource center in which visitors will be able to view products, speak with experts and manufacturers and browse through FTTx-related literature. "FTTx is the key to providing businesses and homes with the technology of the future and will be a major focus at this year's ECOC," Kears said. "The FTTx resource center will be a focal point for those manufacturing, integrating, installing and implementing FTTx and will feature JDSU, Fujikura Europe and RSOFT." More than 3000 visitors and over 1000 conference delegates visited the 2005 ECOC event, held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow. More than 1500 delegates are expected to attend this year's event, and organizers anticipate increases in exhibitor and visitor numbers. For more information, visit: www.ecocexhibition2006.com