Optical Technology Center Conference
Agenda
Click here to view the 2026 OpTeC Conference Agenda.
Registration
Registration extended through September 24.
Registration Fees are as follows:
Individual: $50
Student: $30
Exhibitor: $65 - $275
Please visit the Registration Information Page to register.
About
The Montana State University's Optical Technology Center (OpTeC) will host the 32nd annual OpTeC Conference on October 8, 2026. The OpTeC conference highlights optical science and engineering and is where undergraduate and graduate students, research staff, and faculty report on recent developments in optics at Montana State University. Companies will also share new developments in industry. After a day of oral presentations, a highlight of the meeting is always the evening catered poster session that includes many local and regional businesses. Please join us in celebrating optics and photonics research at MSU.
The OpTeC Conference is held in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering building in Inspiration Hall (room 201).
Agenda
The agenda is available for download here: 2026 OpTeC Conference Agenda
Here are the key activities planned for the conference:
- Keynote Speaker – Dr. Julie Bentley, Rudolf and Hilda Kingslake Professor in Optical Engineering, University of Rochester
- Oral presentations highlighting MSU’s optics and photonics research
- Industry session: talks from industry partners and companies
- Student poster pitches
- Montana Innovator Awards
- Evening poster and exhibitor session and MPQA networking social
Special Events
SPIE-Sponsored Happy Hour Reception |
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October 7, 2026 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Montana Ale Works Parking is plentiful at Ale Works and Beverages and light snacks/hors d'oeuvres served Enter the raffle to win some fun SPIE swag! Come as you are; no registration required. |
Thorlabs Mobile Photonics Lab Experience
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Thursday, October 8 - Intro to Photonics Experience Friday, October 9 –Fiber Coupling Experience Saturday, October 10 – Intro to Photonics Experience |
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The Thorlabs Mobile Photonics Lab offers students a hands-on experience with photonics equipment used to measure, study, and harness the power of light. Guided by current Thorlabs employees, students are introduced to key photonics concepts, gain insight into potential careers, and engage with individuals that have years of experience working in the field. |
Hotel Accommodations
MSU’s Office of Admissions lists local hotels with discounts for visitors. You can find that information by scrolling down to the Participating Hotel section on this webpage: MSU Admissions Partnerships.
Ground Transportation
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, but you may experience slightly longer wait times than in larger cities. The airport is about a 20-minute ride from the center of town. Bozeman is also home to a zero-fare public transportation system. Several car rental agencies are available for pickup at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
Previous Conferences
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| 2025 OpTeC Conference Agenda | 2024 OpTeC Conference Agenda | 2023 OpTeC Conference Agenda |
Please see the OpTeC photo album for pictures from previous OpTeC-sponsored events.
Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our OpTeC Conference sponsors for their generous support. Your commitment plays a crucial role in funding and facilitating this event, helping us to deliver a successful and impactful experience. Your partnership enables us to bring together students, faculty researchers, and industry leaders; foster innovative discussions; and advance our collective knowledge. We deeply appreciate your contribution and look forward to celebrating our shared success at the conference.
Thank you for making the OpTeC Conference possible!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Check out our Sponsorship Information Page.
