Get Involved
IONS+, supercharge your Optica conference experience
IONS+ Rotterdam
Quantum 2.0 (June 23)
IONS+ Quebec
@ Optica Advanced Photonics Congress (July 28)
IONS+ LAOP
@ LAOP (November)
Leverage the benefits of a technical meeting
IONS+ is a unique opportunity for students attending our Congresses to gather together before joining the full event. This allows them to build a network of student colleagues from around the globe, meet with meeting chairs and invited speakers, and receive professional development focused on presentation skills and networking.
These programs occur the day before a Congress begins. Areas of emphasis include:
- Introducing student attendees to Congress Chairs, invited speakers and the local Student Chapter
- Talks focused on career development
- Networking opportunities
- Opportunities to present your research in front of your peers (and with real-time feedback)
- Cultural excursions or lab visits organized by the local Student Chapter
The student committee determines additional opportunities to connect, including tours of local labs/businesses as well as social events that highlight the culture of the surrounding area.
How hosting an IONS+ works:
Host Chapter Student committee responsibilities
- Coordinate with Optica and Congress chairs
- Assist with marketing
- Designate travel funding where appropriate
- Serve as onsite leads for Optica Ambassadors, chairs, and student attendees
- Determine social events that highlight the culture of the surrounding area
- Orchestrate lab tours at the university and/or tours of local industry
Ambassadors
- Serves as mentor to assist where needed
- Provide talks on professional development
Optica staff
- Reserve conference space and a/v
- Market to general membership
- Manage registration
- Build programming
- Provide onsite assistance
- Absorb financial expense of conference
Funding for Chapter Regional events
Special Program Grant funds for chapters looking to host similar regional events are also available. Chapters wanting to host a regional standalone event can qualify for funding up to US$5K. The conference in question must:
- Recognize Optica Foundation as a main sponsor if awarded a grant
- Be at least three days in length
- Include:
- Technical presentations from professionals and students
- Professional development sessions
- Industry-focused opportunities
- Diversity and inclusion programming
- Cultural exchange opportunities
- Lab tours
- Tours to showcase the city/culture
