APOMA Tech Workshop October 26–29, 2026 | Cocoa Beach, FL

Call for Abstracts — Deadline Extended!

The Call for Abstracts deadline has been extended to June 15, 2026. We encourage members to share their work and expertise with the community! While this year's APOMA Tech Workshop theme celebrates space and space optics, abstract submissions are welcome on any topic of interest to optics manufacturers. Don't let the theme hold you back — your presentation does not need to be space-related. If it matters to the precision optics community, we want to hear about it!

Submit Your Abstract

The APOMA Tech Workshop is just around the corner — and you won't want to miss it! This members-only event brings together the brightest minds in precision optics for an intensive program of technical presentations, peer learning, and networking. Along with 2 days of technical program, attendees will enjoy an exclusive VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center — an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the spirit of what we do and why it matters.

Registration

Registration opens June 1, 2026. All APOMA members in good standing will receive a registration link directly via email — keep an eye on your Inbox! 
Sponsorships Available

Sponsorship opportunities are still available — a great way to gain visibility with an engaged audience of precision optics professionals.

View Sponsorship Opportunities

APOMA at SPIE Defense & Security 2026!

APOMA was proud to make its mark at the 2026 SPIE Defense & Security Show, held in April 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland.  This show brings together members, academic partners, and industry leaders for a week of meaningful engagement, workforce advocacy, and community building.

Moderating the Conversation on Workforce Readiness
APOMA Executive Director Yvette Pagano co-moderated a dynamic Industry Stage panel on April 29 titled From Regional Hubs to National Readiness: Scaling the Optics Manufacturing Technician Pipeline for Emerging National Defense Priorities. Joined by co-moderator Joseph Kuczynski, Senior Editor of Photonics Spectra and host of the All Things Photonics podcast, Yvette helped lead a 90-minute discussion focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. defense industrial base: closing the optics technician skills gap. The panel featured representatives from AmeriCOM's partner college network AND proud APOMA academic members— Jim Kraly (Keene State College), Greg Wilson (Pima Community College), Brian Monacelli (Pasadena City College), and Mark Craig (Gallatin College) — who detailed how a network of regional academic hubs is building a resilient domestic pipeline of precision optics technicians to support Directed Energy and other mission-critical defense priorities. 

VIP Members-Only Cocktail Party

A classic APOMA members-only event, the Cocktail Party did not disappoint. Held in a private suite at the Gaylord Hotel, the evening was filled with enthusiastic members eager to connect, share knowledge, and raise a glass in true APOMA fashion — member helping member. Of course there was an ice breaker…favorite sports team.  A special thank-you to SPIE for generously providing the suite and helping make the evening possible.

Celebrating Our Exhibiting Members

APOMA's presence extended well beyond the conference rooms and onto the show floor, with over 40 member companies exhibiting at this year's show. Each exhibiting member was recognized with APOMA booth signage and pins — watch the exhibitor reel to see them all and keep an eye out for APOMA signage and members proudly sporting their pins. APOMA pride!