Program
16 - 20 February 2025
Optica Global Headquarters
Washington, District of Columbia USA
We have an engaging and informative program featuring thought leaders in optics and photonics. The Career Accelerator begins on Sunday 16 February 2025 and concludes on Thursday 20 February 2025. To learn more about the topics and speakers featured each day, please click on the tabs below.
Speakers and timing are subject to change.
Arrival Day
15:00 Generator Hotel Check-in
17:00-17:15 Welcome Remarks & Opening Reception (Optica HQ)
Speaker: John Taylor, Deputy Senior Director, Development & Fundraising, Optica Foundation
17:15-20:00 Icebreaker & Opening reception (Optica HQ)
8:00-9:00 Breakfast (Optica HQ)
9:00-9:15 Facilitator
9:15-10:45 Sustainable Networking for Scientists and Engineers
10:45-11:45 Where are the Jobs?: Finding a Role in a Company
11:45-12:15 Coffee Break
12:15–1:15 From Resume Review to Final Offer: Inside HR and the Hiring Process
1:15-2:15 Lunch (Optica HQ)
2:15-3:15 Negotiation Skills
3:15-4:15 Innovation and Product Development
4:15-4:45 Coffee Break
4:45-5:45 TeamBuilding and Group Dynamics
5:45-7:30 Dinner (Optica HQ)
8:00-9:00 Breakfast (Optica HQ)
9:00-9:15 Facilitator
9:15-10:15 The Role of the Sales Professional
10:15-11:15 What is Corporate Strategy and Why is it Important?
11:15-11:45 Coffee Break
11:45-12:45 The Language of Business: Managerial Reporting and Accounting for Decision Making (Part 1)
12:45-2:15 Lunch (Optica HQ)
2:15-3:15 The Language of Business: Managerial Reporting and Accounting for Decision Making (Part 2)
3:15-4:15 Patents and Intellectual Property 101
4:15-4:45 Coffee Break
4:45-5:45 The Entrepreneur’s Experience: Thriving in the Startup Ecosystem
5:45-8:00 Dinner & Accounting Activity (Optica HQ)
8:00-9:00 Breakfast (Optica HQ)
9:00-9:15 Facilitator
9:15-10:15 Project Management for Engineering, R&D and Technology Teams
10:15-11:15 The Role of the Product Manager
11:15-11:45 Coffee Break
11:45-12:45 Marketing in Photonics
12:45-2:15 Lunch (Optica HQ)
2:15-3:15 Hardware Vs. Software: Which is a better fit for me?
3:15-4:15 Leadership in Tech: Cultivating Innovation, Strategy, and Diverse Teams
4:15-4:45 Coffee Break
4:45-5:45 Emerging Technologies
5:45-6:00 Closing Remarks (Optica HQ)
6:00-7:00 Closing Reception
8:00-10:00 Closing Activity
07:00-10:00 Generator Hotel Check-out
