BELLINGHAM, Wash., Sept. 8 -- OpticsEast 2004, to be held Oct. 23-28 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, will kick off an annual gathering that will focus on key technologies and leading-edge research, according to its sponsor, The International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE). The event, to be held annually in a city on the US East Coast, will provide an international forum for sharing ideas and information on photonics technologies, including optical sensing, optoelectronics, security, manufacturing, robotics, life sciences and multimedia.
   "Our hope is to build a bridge for the exchange of knowledge among different scientific disciplines, user communities and across continents -- a bridge that will foster international collaboration, promote interdisciplinary research and cultivate the creative and critical thinking needed to develop the full potential of measurement sciences in order to address the technological challenges for this millennium," SPIE said.
   The region in which OpticsEast will be held will provide targeted resources for attendees. "For instance, in the Philadelphia region, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, biomedical optics and robotics are important industries," said SPIE. "We plan for additional speakers, workshops and courses that will focus on these subjects and showcase the leading research organizations from this region."
   A unique feature of OpticsEast is its division into three categories: technology, architectures and applications. This division will help to clarify the focus and direction of the conference, SPIE said.
   The Pennsylvania Convention Center is in the center of historic Philadelphia and within walking distance of hotels, shopping, restaurants, entertainment and public transportation. Enjoy lunch at the Reading Terminal Market or make a night of it at one of the many eateries in the area. If you have an afternoon to spare, check out exotic Chinatown, stroll the waterfront park or sample the historic colonial charm of Old City. Established in 1646, Philadelphia is undergoing a business and cultural renaissance not seen since the industrial revolution.
   Don't miss this chance to explore the frontiers of optics, photonics and imaging on the East Coast -- or to experience the unique charm of this cultural treasure.
   For more information, visit: spie.org/Conferences/programs/04/oe/