SPIE Photonics West Kicks Off on Jan. 27 in San Francisco

San Francisco (Jan. 26, 2024) – More than 20,000 people from around the world will converge at the 2024 SPIE Photonics West conference, which will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone Center from Jan. 27 through Feb. 1.

Held in San Francisco since 2010, Photonics West is the world’s premier event for lasers, biomedical optics, biophotonics, quantum technologies, and optoelectronics. This technology impacts industries ranging from medical diagnostics to autonomous vehicles.  

Photonics West will feature more than 1,500 exhibitors from across the globe showcasing the best in photonic technology and over 5,000 technical presentations. The San Francisco Bay Area has a strong photonics academic and business presence, allowing attendees to also network with customers, collaborators and suppliers based in the region.

"We are looking forward to returning to San Francisco and welcoming our global community of researchers, engineers, innovators, and businesspeople to our Photonics West and AR|VR|MR Conferences," said SPIE CEO Kent Rochford. "Every year, 20,000+ members of the global photonics community ascend on the Moscone Center for what is without a doubt the most exciting week in our business, and we're proud to partner with the city in hosting them in a world-class venue and locale."

According to estimates from the San Francisco Travel Association, last year’s SPIE Photonics West generated an estimated $37 million in economic impact, attracting over 20,000 attendees. Included in this estimate is the spending by attendees, event planners, exhibitors, B2B supply chain purchases, and wages paid to workers in the local economy. 

"San Francisco is a global center of innovation, and we are proud to welcome SPIE Photonics West to be a part of all that's happening right now in our city," said Mayor London Breed. "This event will bring 20,000 people who are working on technology that is changing the world to a city that is at the forefront of creating the next great idea. This will be another tremendous event for San Francisco as we continue to welcome conventions and visitors back from all over the world."

In addition to SPIE Photonics West, Moscone Center hosted the Joint Mathematics Meetings, the Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, the Genitourinary Symposium, and the Microsoft AI Tour this month. The five events held at Moscone Center are estimated to generate $63.1 million in economic impact for the City and County of San Francisco.

“We are excited to welcome back the 20,000 visitors of SPIE Photonics West! We work closely with organizers to make sure guests have a wonderful experience in our convention center and during their time in the City,” said City Administrator Carmen Chu. “I hope our visitors are inspired by the innovative energy and sense of the endless possibilities you feel in San Francisco. Our neighborhoods are ready to welcome you.”

San Francisco Travel Association

San Francisco Travel is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. The city is one of the top tourism and meetings destinations in the U.S. and received 21.9 million visitors in 2022. Total tourism spending in 2022 exceeded $7.7 billion. The tourism industry is the largest generator of outside revenue into San Francisco’s economy and supports over 53,000 jobs.

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