For the twentieth year, Photonex 2011 will be run as a combined exhibition and technical conference for those working in optics, photonic and imaging technology. It is the UK's largest exhibition of these technologies and attracts an audience from all parts of the world with 15 countries represented in 2010. After last year's success, Vacuum Expo 2011 will be run in parallel with Photonex to provide an excellent mix of synergistic tools and techniques for the visitor.

In the twenty years of running the Photonex event, the organisers have developed an extremely successful model for this market place. It provides an annual event to visit in order to keep up with the very latest technologies displayed in an exhibition environment alongside a high profile technical conference. Photonics is of enormous importance in scientific research, industry, defence and security. The aims are to enable visitors to Photonex 2011 to see working demonstrations on exhibitor stands; to discover the difference between one supplier and another; and to ensure that a valuable day will be spent networking and meeting with knowledgeable and experienced suppliers, fellow scientists and industrialists.

This year's conference will offer a diverse choice of programmes dedicated to the hottest technologies of the moment. The first track to be announced is on 'High Power Diode Lasers & Systems'. This programme has been expanded following the success of last year's event and will now take place over two days. As well as providing industry-leading speakers, the organisers and sponsors would welcome contributions from visitors who may review the programmes and announcements on the web site. Current sponsors of the technical programme include the Institute of Physics Optical Group, ESP KTN, UKIVA and the Scottish Chapter of the IEEE Photonics Society. More programmes together with details of the talks and invited speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Running in parallel will be a showcase of the very latest vacuum and related technologies and innovations for applications in science and industry. Vacuum Expo 2011 will provide an unequalled business environment for the effective and meaningful transfer of information and knowledge within the field of vacuum, thin film and nanoscale technologies.

Potential visitors and contributors to the scientific programme are encouraged to visit the Photonex website (www.photonex.org) and register their interest today to receive regular electronic newsletters detailing the up to date additions to the agenda. With over 100 exhibiting companies expected in Coventry, the 2011 events are already on the way to success.