SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 24 -- The first wave of the anticipated 13,000 plus attendees flooded the exhibit halls at Photonics West on Tuesday. Exhibit personnel had their hands full meeting visitors and demonstrating their products all day long. As late as mid-day the lines at the downstairs registration stations remained long as attendees continued to flock to the conference. A major attraction was the Town Square presentations where companies explained and displayed their latest technologies and products. All three Town Squares: Laser, Photonics and Imaging played to overflow audiences at each presentation. All offered a full day's menu of events ranging from the latest technology breakthroughs to new products to marketing opportunities.Without exception exhibitor booths both at the main halls and at the Parkside Hall were ringed with visitors from the opening bell. In many cases attendees were lined up two or three deep viewing demonstrations or listening to company representatives' pitches. Another busy spot was the Exhibitors' lounge hosted by Laurin Publishing. The lounge provided refreshments, communications gear and a place for exhibit personnel to take a break from the rigors of booth duty.Meanwhile, the rest of the show went on. Technical conferences were in session throughout the day with papers and presentations on the latest in technology. A tour of the meeting halls found all well attended and many with standing room only. Among the ongoing daily special events were short courses, technical group meeting and plenary presentation, while evening poster receptions at Parkside Hall provided refreshments and networking opportunities.