SEATTLE, Wash., April 27 -- A record 185 exhibitors, including 53 from New York, and approximately 1800 visitors are expected at Optifab 2005, to be held May 2-5 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, in Rochester, N.Y. Dubbed the largest gathering of optical manufacturing equipment and suppliers in North America, the event is organized jointly by SPIE (International Society for Optical Engineering) and APOMA (American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association).
   "This is an exceptional opportunity to meet and interact with worldwide experts from and practitioners of classical and advanced optical manufacturing technologies," SPIE said. "The world's leading optical manufacturers will be presenting their products and services in operations, machines, tools, metrology and processes."
   Thomas Battley, executive director of the Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster (RRPC), said, "With our resources and relationships in the optics, photonics and imaging (OPI) industry, there is no better location for OptiFab than Rochester. Conversely, OptiFab is critically important for regional companies. Companies looking to leverage those OPI assets will be there, especially regional companies looking for ways to enter new markets and collaborate with new partners."
   Organizers said the event, held in one of the centers of photonics activity, "is an exceptional opportunity to interact with worldwide experts, visit the largest optical manufacturing exhibition and gain valuable insights on a variety of classical and advanced optical manufacturing technologies."

   SPIE also announced that Optifab 2005 is dedicated to the memory of Harvey Pollicove, who died Jan. 25, 2004. He was a co-founder, with Duncan Moore, and director of the Center for Optics Manufacturing at the University of Rochester and chaired the first Optifab conference two years ago in Rochester.
   Presentation subjects will include spherical, aspherical, freeform or plano reflective and refractive optics that are typically intended for the consumer, commercial, industrial, medical, scientific or military user.
   According to John Nemechek, sales and marketing manager at Fisba Optik LLC, "Optifab is the most relevant event in North America for optics manufacturing and management professionals. Offering the most extensive demonstration of optical manufacturing and measurement equipment form Europe, Asia and North America, Optifab provides information essential for capital equipment decision-makers."
   APOMA and the RRPC will host a party featuring the band Nik and the Nice Guys, May 3 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. All exhibitors and delegates are invited. Appetizers will be served, and there will be a cash bar. Sponsors include Photonics.com, Rochester Gas & Electric, the Canadian Consulate, Zygo, Universal Photonics, Schott, North America Trillium, City of Rochester, and FisbaOptik.
   For more information, visit: www.spie.org/events/optifab