IONS+ is free for students. You may sign up for IONS+ Puerto Vallarta during the registration process. If you have already registered, you may modify your registration to add IONS+. 

IONS+ is a unique opportunity for students attending Optica Events to gather together before joining the meeting. 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 conference or congress begins. Areas of emphasis include:

• Introducing student attendees to meeting 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

The student committee organizing IONS+ will determine additional opportunities to connect, including tours of local labs and businesses as well as social events that highlight the culture of the surrounding area. The following is a draft agenda for the event. 

Preliminary Schedule

Join other conference attendees for a welcome reception, and begin to network with your colleagues.  The reception will be held in La Placita, the central, outdoor meeting space of the Sunscape. Light fare and drinks will be served. This event is free for conference attendees. Guest tickets are available for MXN 400.  

Join us for the Conference Dinner and farewell celebration on the last evening of the conference.  Network with your colleagues and celebrate the success of LAOP 2024.  All attendees must purchase a ticket for MXN 1,000 to attend. Additional guest tickets may be purchased.