23 - 27 August 2026
San Diego, California, US

Onsite services for SPIE Optics + Photonics

Find information on how to navigate the onsite conference experience in San Diego, CA

Onsite services information

Discover details about registration, speaker check-in, bookstore, and other information to help create a positive and easy onsite experience.

Check back for more details for the 2026 event in the months to come.

Person riding an escalator inside a large glass-domed atrium with curved architecture, carrying a shoulder bag, with city buildings visible through the windows in the background.

Badge pick-up and registration hours for both the meeting and exhibition

Convention Center Sails Pavilion (Upper Level)
Sunday 23 August 7:15 AM-5:00 PM
Monday 24 August 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Tuesday 25 August 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday 26 August 7:45 AM–5:00 PM
Thursday 27 August 7:45 AM–2:00 PM

Helpful information while at the event

In this section:

SPIE Cashier

Location: Conv. Ctr. Sails Pavilion, Registration area — open during registration hours

Registration payments

If you are planning to register onsite, please do so at the “Need to Register” laptop station.

Your credit card payment will be processed during registration.

If you wish to pay with cash or check, you will be directed to the Cashier once you have completed registration for final payment.

If you have already registered and wish to add a course, workshop, or special event, you may do this online by signing into your SPIE account.

Receipt and Certificate of Participation

Preregistered attendees who need an SPIE-stamped receipt or attendees who need a Certificate of Participation may obtain those at Badge Corrections and Receipts.

Badge Corrections

Badge corrections can be made at Cashier. Please have your badge marked with your changes before approaching the counter.

Speaker Check-in and Preview Station

Location: Conv. Ctr., Room 6B (Upper Level)
Sunday                            7:15 AM–5:00 PM
Monday  7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Thursday 7:45 AM–4:00 PM

All speakers must visit Speaker Check-In to preview their slide presentation at least two hours before their scheduled session, or the day prior if presenting in the first session.

  • If you did not submit your presentation online by the deadline, you can submit it at Speaker Check-In and preview it.
  • If an issue is discovered during preview of your slide presentation, you may re-submit it.
  • Staff will be available for assistance.

Important: Speakers may not use personal devices for presentation.

All conference rooms are equipped with:

  • Laptop
  • Projector and screen
  • Lapel microphone
  • Laser pointer

Internet access 

Location: Conv. Ctr. lobbies, meeting rooms, exhibition hall, and registration area 

Complimentary wireless internet access is provided in meeting rooms and lobbies on the conference room level and in the Sails Pavilion where the exhibition and registration are located.  Instructions will be posted onsite.

Show your badge and save

Your meeting badge is a passport to great savings around San Diego. 

Learn more

SPIE Conference App and event information

Location: Conv. Ctr. 6A Lobby (Upper Level) — open during registration hours 

Our SPIE App developer will be onsite and available to answer any questions on its use or navigation and how to get the best user experience. We welcome your feedback.

This useful tool allows you to search and browse the program, special events, participants, exhibitors, courses, and more.  It is free and available for iPhone and Android phones. If you don't already have it, you can download the SPIE app here.  

SPIE staff will be available to assist in answering any meeting and exhibition-related questions you might have. Stop by to pick up conference materials, face masks, and hand sanitizer. 

SPIE Bookstore 

Location: Conv. Ctr. Sails Pavilion, Exhibition Hall (Upper Level)
Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Stop by the SPIE Bookstore to browse the latest SPIE Press books and educational materials. While there, get a T-shirt and other gifts to bring home to the family.

Credit card and debit cards only please; no cash.

SPIE Course Materials  

Location: Conv. Ctr. Sails Pavilion (Upper Level) - open during registration hours

Once you have registered for your course(s) you will need to stop by the Course Desk to pick up your course materials and get your classroom location. You are also welcome to browse course offerings or learn more about SPIE courses available online.

SPIE Luggage & Coat Check 

Location: Conv. Ctr. Hall A Lobby (Ground Level)
Sunday                            7:15 AM–8:30 PM
Monday  7:30 AM–9:00 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM–7:30 PM
Wednesday 7:45 AM–6:15 PM
Thursday 7:45 AM–6:00 PM

Complimentary luggage, package, and coat storage are available. Please note the hours; no late pickup is available.

Copy Services - FedEx Office

Location: Conv. Ctr., Hall D Lobby (Ground Level)
Sunday  9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Services include photocopying, faxing, printing services, and shipping. Office supplies are also available. Phone +1 619 525 5450

Child Care Services 

Sitterwise 
Email: hello@sitterwise.com 
Office: +1 619 303 4379 or text +1 619 663 4379
Learn more and make a reservation online: www.sitterwise.com
SPIE does not imply an endorsement or recommendation of these services. They are provided on an "information only" basis for your further analysis and decision.  Other services may be available.

Did you know SPIE offers Family Care Grants to SPIE members? For more information on deadlines and how to apply check the details here.

ATMs 

Location: Conv. Ctr. Halls B and E Lobbies (Ground Level)

Inclusive Restroom 

Location: Conv. Ctr. Hall A Lobby (Ground Level)

This gender-neutral and accessible restroom has two private single-occupancy rooms, each with a locking door and floor-to-ceiling walls.

Charging Stations 

Location: Conv. Ctr. Upper Level Corridors 

Keep those battery levels up during your breaks. There are areas to charge devices using your own cord and are located throughout the conference hallways.

Mothers’ Lounge

Location: Conv. Ctr. Halls A and E Lobbies (Ground Level)
  • The Mothers’ Lounge in Hall A is a separate lounge and has a full sink in the area
  • The Mothers' Lounge/pods in Hall E are inside the Women's restroom

Mothers' Lounge does not have a refrigerator or storage.

Mamava nursing pods

  • Lobby B-2
  • Lobby H
  • Outside RM 17B

Lost and Found 

Location: SPIE Cashier, Conv. Ctr. Sails Pavilion (Upper Level) - Open during registration hours

Found items will be kept at SPIE Cashier in the registration area during the meeting and available only during registration hours. At the end of the meeting, all found items will be turned over to the San Diego Convention Center Security. Contact via the lost and found hotline +1 619 525 5490 or from the house phone at 5490.

Food and beverage services

Coffee Breaks -
Complimentary coffee in the Convention Center
Sunday 
Room 6 Lobby, (Upper Level) and outside Room 33 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Monday 
Room 6 Lobby, (Upper Level), and outside Room 33 7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Tuesday
Room 6 Lobby, (Upper Level), and outside Room 33 7:30 AM–9:30 AM
Exhibition Hall, Sails Pavilion (Upper Level) 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Wednesday 
Room 6 Lobby, (Upper Level), and outside Room 33 7:30 AM–9:30 AM
Exhibition Hall, Sails Pavilion (Upper Level) 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Thursday 
Room 6 Lobby, (Upper Level) 7:30 AM–9:30 AM
Exhibition Hall, Sails Pavilion (Upper Level) 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
Room 6 Lobby, (Upper Level) 2:00 PM–4:00 PM

Food and refreshments for purchase
Starbucks
Location: Conv. Ctr., Lobby A (Ground Level)
Sunday - Wednesday                            7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM–2:00 PM
Hours subject to change
Mrs. Fields Cookies and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels 
Location: Conv. Ctr. Ballroom 6 Lobby (Upper Level)
Sunday - Wednesday                                     7:30 AM–4:00 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM–12:00 PM
Hours subject to change

Café Express Lunch Cart
Location: Conv. Ctr. Sails Pavilion (Upper Level) Exhibition Hall
Tuesday and Wednesday                                   11:00 AM–1:30 PM
Variety of food and drink options, such as deli sandwiches, salads, and pastries available for purchase. Credit card payments only.

Restaurants and City Information
San Diego Restaurants