The advancement of defense, commercial sensing and imaging technologies are evolving the defense and security sector worldwide, with a wide variety of applications in such areas as machine vision, process control and counter-terrorism (among others). SPIE’s 2016 Defense + Commercial Sensing conference reflects this evolution, as well as enhanced content and expanded markets. To be held April 17-21 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland, this show is touted “the leading global sensing and imaging event for defense and commercial applications.” It comprises two co-located sessions — Defense + Security, and Commercial + Scientific Sensing and Imaging. More than 2,000 technical presentations will be held during the week, in addition to 35 professional development courses, a comprehensive industry program, seminars, and a major exhibition of suppliers of IR cameras, sensors, imaging systems and other photonics technologies and products. Speaking to the defense and commercial sensing sector, as well as the market, technologies and research, will be Dr. Bradford C. Tousley — director of the Tactical Technology Office (TTO) at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense and Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) — and Dr. Patrick Carrick — director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Advanced Research Project Agency (HSARPA) — in two separate plenary presentations. An exhibition at the event will include nearly 400 of the world’s top companies demonstrating their products. Technology demonstrations are scheduled, as well, such as a thermal imaging demonstration, presented by DRS Technologies. This will showcase “the incredible versatility of long-wave infrared technology and its detection capabilities.” It is a hands-on demonstration of some of the world’s most advanced thermal imaging products. Also, a “movie-making stabilized gimbal” demonstration will show that this “unlimited field of regard-stabilized gimbal is changing the way movies are made. Visitors will be able to interact with the technology, which is enabling new cinematography; this demonstration is presented by IJK Controls. Other featured technologies during the exhibition include infrared sources, detectors and systems; chemical and biological sensing; lasers and other light sources, laser accessories and laser systems; cameras and CCD components; displays; imaging components, equipment and systems; fiber optic components, equipment and systems; optical components including specialized lenses and coatings; high-speed imaging and sensing; high-precision optics manufacturing; robotics; law enforcement technology; photonic sensors, spectroscopy, multispectral and hyperspectral; fiber sensors; and LIDAR.