Laser World of Photonics set a record this year with a 6 percent increase in exhibitors (1100) and an 8 percent increase in attendees (27,500) representing 80 countries. The biggest growth areas were medical, biophotonics, renewable energies and electromobility. The crowded exhibit floor during Laser World of Photonics 2011. (Images: © Messe München GmbH 2011) "It was very obvious to us that there were more international visitors here, especially from Asia, compared with the event in 2009. We experienced high visitor traffic from the very first day. All of us met our target groups. The electronics, photovoltaic and automotive sectors in particular were in stronger demand this time," said Günther Braun, president of Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc. On opening day, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) unveiled an economic stimulus package, “Photonics Research Germany,” which consists of €1 billion over the next 10 years to promote research and development in the photonics sector. The German government said it considers optical technologies to be one of the most important technologies of the future. Those interested could get up close and personal with the products on display at Laser World of Photonics 2011. During the World of Photonics Congress, 3250 international participants attended a total of six conferences that took place. The participants praised the technical level and scope of the offerings. "The combination of trade fair and congress here in Munich is unique in the world. The congress comprises the six conferences as well as the practical lectures in the photonics forums in the trade fair halls," said Dr. Peter Loosen, professor and president of the steering committee of the World of Photonics Congress and deputy head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT. "These forums are outstanding and made a significant contribution to opening up the congress to industry. The congress is one of the greatest photonics events in the world of its type; the atmosphere here was very good." Products for the industrial machining market were a big part of the Laser World of Photonics 2011 exhibit. "The number of customer inquiries was roughly the same as two years ago, but their quality was better. We are actually on the point of signing contracts for a few specific projects. We are very satisfied. We staged two large events during the Photonics Forums," said Dr. Andreas Tünnermann, director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF). "Visitors to the talk on solid-state lasers were actually standing. This event was very well attended. The next Laser World of Photonics will be June 17 to 20, 2013. For more information, visit: www.munich-tradefairs.com