The Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) begins on 15 March 2026. This is far more than another industry event; it is one of the most vital and exciting gatherings in our field, setting the stage for the next generation of global connectivity both technologically and personally. As the premier event for the optical networking and communications community, OFC’s energy stems from its unique position at the nexus of cutting-edge innovation, market impact and real-world deployment.
Those who know me are well aware that my field of expertise is not in the optical networking area. However, every time I talk to colleagues who attend OFC, I am struck by their incredible enthusiasm. They consistently describe the conference as a unique showcase of next-generation components, systems and network architectures. One could say it offers a glimpse into the future of communications. The conference brings together a global community to address one of society’s most pressing challenges: meeting the world’s ever-growing demand for bandwidth. The list of plenary speakers this year is especially exciting and should lead to conversations that will resonate beyond the sessions themselves.
Reflecting on my own career, I remember the early days of the industry deploying fiber to commercial buildings and then the transition to fiber in the home. As I look at this year’s conference program and the roster of speakers, it’s remarkable to see how far we have evolved—we are now discussing what it means to bring fiber-supported connectivity beyond Earth and into space.
Each year, OFC attracts in excess of 10,000 attendees from more than 70 countries, features hundreds of presentations and is the largest exhibition in the optical communications sector. Beyond the technical agenda lies a more profound message: Conference participation plays an essential role in individual professional growth. Gatherings such as OFC foster creativity through the exchange of ideas, spark collaborations that would never happen in isolation and expand one’s professional network in meaningful and lasting ways.
A recent personal anecdote underscores this value. While looking for a photograph, I unexpectedly came across images from an informal gathering of scientists at an Optica Imaging Congress many years ago. The members of that small group, then in the early or middle stages of their careers, have since flourished. At least half of them are now deeply engaged in Optica programs, contributing significantly through publications, committees, conferences and other leadership roles. Their trajectory clearly illustrates the long-term, career-defining impact of connections made at events like OFC. It is precisely this value that we hope each of you will realize at our future conferences and special events.
—Gisele Bennett,
Optica President
