This year will mark the 27th Annual ICALEO (International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-optics) Show, which will focus on laser research and development, and the funding opportunities on a global scale. ICALEO 2008 will be held from Oct. 20-23, 2008, at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. For the past 26 years, ICALEO has focused on laser materials processing from the basic understanding of the interaction between a laser beam and a material, and also on how a process can be integrated and optimized for a specific application. However, this year’s show will include a broader scope of appeal that will consist of a business development session specific to the laser industry. Attendees can learn how to approach starting a laser company, running a job shop, and can explore possible sources for funding. The Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. Hosted by the Laser Institute of America (LIA), the purpose of ICALEO is to bring both academic and industrial people together who may benefit from laser technology. This includes end-users and scientists as well as engineers and technicians engaged in developing laser technology. This year’s show will feature three major conferences – Laser Materials Processing, Laser Microprocessing, and Nanomanufacturing. The Laser Materials Processing Conference will cover a wide range of topics on macroscopic processes, applications and related laser equipment and systems. It will include a number of highlight sessions such as Direct Metal Deposition Process, Unique Plastic Processing, Optics for Laser Material Processing, Hybrid Welding, Welding by High Brightness Lasers, and Welding for Automotive and Aerospace Industries. The Laser Microprocessing Conference addresses special interests in processes and systems for microscopic applications, including highlight sessions such as Laser Micro-Drilling and Dicing, Laser Bio-medical Applications, Laser-assisted Micro-deposition, Ultrafast Laser Processing, and Laser-induced Ablation and Breakdown. Nanomanufacturing is one of the areas in which lasers will make significant impacts. The second-time Nanomanufacturing Conference provides us a venue to seek new opportunities of laser applications that require multi-disciplinary knowledge bases. The plenary session will touch on the new frontiers of lasers for sustainable energy future. The session will focus on laser-based inertial-confinement fusion, pumping lasers using sunlight, laser applications in solar cells, and how to turn a promising technology to a viable business. In addition to the technical conferences there will also be the Business Forum & Panel Discussion, Laser Solutions Short Courses, President’s Reception and other networking opportunities. A special session will be organized to recognize the lifetime achievements of Professor William M. Steen. Onsite registration for the show begins on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. For more information, visit: www.icaleo.org or www.laserinstitute.org