26 - 30 April 2026
National Harbor, Maryland, US

Networking and community events

Gather in person to connect with your colleagues and learn more about your community

Connect with colleagues

Interactive sessions give you the opportunity to network, learn, and discuss your work with optics and photonics professionals from around the world. Advance your network with purpose and build your community.

Attendees of SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing networking with colleagues
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27 April 2026 • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT | Ballroom Level, National Harbor 11 
Is this your first time to SPIE Defense + Security? We’d love to meet you! Please join us for a casual reception as we gather informally and get to know each other.
27 April 2026 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT | Ballroom Level, Potomac C 
SPIE Fellow and Senior Member attendees are invited to this engaging networking lunch. This luncheon is for any attendees who have been named a Fellow or Senior Member of SPIE.
27 April 2026 • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT | Orchard Terrace 
Join your colleagues for food and beverages as we welcome each other to SPIE Defense + Security 2026.
28 April 2026 • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT | Potomac 1-6 Foyer 
Join us to socialize and network with other LGBTQ+ attendees and allies. Everyone is welcome.
29 April 2026 • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT | Annapolis 2 
Join us for an informal network social elevating and celebrating the women in our field. Everyone is welcome.
29 April 2026 • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM EDT | Lookout 18 
Join your colleagues and friends for a SPIE Jam session.
30 April 2026 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT | Exhibition Hall 
Join us for a fun end to the week at the Thursday Social on the exhibition floor.