Optics Valley invites you to the 10th annual Arizona Photonics Days conference in Tucson, Arizona, January 27-29, 2027, just prior to Photonics West 2027.

Connect with optics and photonics peers and industry leaders for technical presentations, industry trend discussions, and professional networking opportunities during this multi-day conference.

Program Overview
The program will focus on the expanding scope of optics and photonics technologies in industrial, commercial and scientific applications in six areas:
Astronomy • Biomedical Technology • Laser Technology • Metrology • Optics & Sensors • Systems Integration & Sensing
- Daily keynotes by industry leaders
- 24+ innovation and technology presentations
- 20+ company spotlights
- Generous networking opportunities
- Optional lab, company and facility tours
- 12+ sponsor exhibitors
Important Dates
- Aug. 24, 2026 – Oct. 30, 2026: Call for Presentations Now Open! Click HERE for details and submission form.
- Nov. 20, 2026: Abstract acceptance notifications will be sent.
- Dec. 1, 2026: Early Bird pricing expires!
- Aug. 24, 2026 – Jan. 20, 2027: Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available! Click HERE for details.
- Aug. 24, 2026 – Jan. 27, 2027: Registration Open!
Preliminary Conference Schedule
- Jan. 27 & 28: 8:00am – 5:00pm MST (Receptions to follow)
UA Grand Challenges Research Building, 750 N Cherry Ave - Jan. 27: 5:30pm – 7:00pm: Welcome Reception + after5 hosted by The Chamber of Southern Arizona, held at Arizona Sands Club. *Arizona Photonics Days 2027 registration includes admission to this event!
- Jan. 28: 5:30pm – 7:30pm: Closing Reception hosted by The University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences, held at the Meinel Optical Sciences Building 3rd Floor. *Arizona Photonics Days 2027 registration includes admission to this event!
- Jan. 29: Facility tours and networking activities. Details TBA.
Who Should Attend?
- Business owners, executives and professionals of optics and photonics companies
- Industry leaders whose companies apply these technologies
- Academic and industry scientists and engineers
- Optics cluster leadership and staff
Presenters
Call for Presentations now open!
View past conference proceedings — APD 2025, APD 2024, APD 2023, APD 2022, APD 2021

Housing & Transportation Recommendations
| HOTEL | AVG RATE | TO VENUE | TO AIRPORT | TO RESTAURANTS |
| Aloft Tucson University | $199/night | 0.6 miles (~15 min. walk) | 8.3 miles (~19 min. drive) | walking distance |
| Graduate by Hilton | $264/night | 0.7 miles (~15 min. walk) | 8.5 miles (~19 min. drive) | walking distance |
| Tucson Marriott University Park | $319/night | 0.7 mile (~5 min. walk) | 8.5 miles (~19 min. drive) | walking distance |
| AC Hotel Downtown | $374/night | 1.9 miles (~8 min. drive) | 7.9 miles (~18 min. drive) | walking distance |
Transportation details
Airports: Tucson International Airport (TUS) is conveniently located just south of downtown Tucson and only 10 miles from the venue at UA Grand Challenges Research Building. TUS is serviced by 6 passenger airlines.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is 2 hours north of Tucson, and is serviced by 24 passenger airlines. There is a shuttle that runs from PHX to Tucson/UA. Visit Groome Transportation for details.
Ground transportation: Rental cars can be coordinated through the airport, Uber or Lyft ride-share services.
Public transportation: Tucson offers several modes of public transportation – Visit Tucson makes it easy to plan your visit to Tucson.
MAP TO LOCATION: https://tinyurl.com/bdhst6vk *Closest parking is the Cherry Avenue Garage.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].
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About Optics Valley |
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About University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a top-ranking, research-focused public institution that houses the Wyant College of Optical Sciences – one of the premier educational institutions in optics and photonics worldwide – and the Office of Research and Partnerships, which expands the capacity of the University’s research enterprise by fostering purposeful convergence and building powerful collaborations across academia, industry, government, and communities. arizona.edu. |
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About Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. www.aztechcouncil.org. |
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About the Global Photonics Alliance
Global Photonics Alliance creates bridges between all optics and photonics clusters to address common matters and facilitate communication and business among members around the world. |
Location
University of Arizona Grand Challenges Research Building - First Floor
750 N Cherry Ave.
Tucson ,
AZ
85719
Date
January 27, 2027
Thru
January 29, 2027
Time
Jan. 27 & 28 8:00am - 5:00pm Conference, Jan 29 Tours & Activities
Cost
Early Bird Pricing Expires Dec. 1: AZTC Members $300; Non-members $350
Register




