Optatec, the international trade fair for optical technologies, components, and systems, returns to Messe Frankfurt May 14-16. Its 16th iteration, the event retains its focus on optoelectronics, machine vision, optics, laser components, fiber optics, and manufacturing. The conference will feature talks from the foremost experts and engineers pushing innovation in optics, fabrication, optoelectronics, machine vision, sensing, and manufacturing. Visitors can hear lectures from market-leading companies such as Hamamatsu, OptoTech, QED Technologies, and Casix. Topics include manufacturing laser systems, lens production, polarizers, and supply chains. Optatec will take place May 14-16 at Messe Frankfurt. The three-day show encourages a range of attendees, from prospective employees and those from startup businesses to researchers and industry professionals. Courtesy of Messe Frankfurt. Visitors can expect to learn about the latest products and innovations from brief talks presented in the Exhibitor Forum either in person or via webcast. Beyond that, speakers from leading research and scientific institutes will discuss their innovations and experiences, both in theory and in practice. University representatives will return once again, this year organizing the Education & Research technology park to promote a concrete transfer of knowledge from academia to industry. The technology park will be presented by the Darmstadt and Rhein-Main Universities of Applied Sciences and the Technical University of Central Hesse. Universities will present their courses of study relating to optical technology and photonics and invite all interested school classes and teachers to Optatec. Additional services and amenities available to attendees include the Optatec job exchange, for employers and prospective employees; free-of-charge webcasts; a “Start-Up Area” for networking; and the “Training and Research – Study Photonics” Technology Park, which, in addition to the institutions mentioned, will offer guided tours of renowned companies from the industry sector. Individual programs of study will also be spotlighted and will include conversations with program alumni. This year’s Optatec will notably end coinciding with International Light Day on May 16. The day was officially recognized by UNESCO in 2017 to give attention to and raise awareness to light-based technologies and achievements in photonics. This officially designates optical technologies as cultural heritage. For more information about the event, visit www.optatec-messe.de/en.