Optical Society announces strategic partnership with OIDA
Washington, DC—The Optical Society (OSA) today announced it will establish permanent organizational ties with the Optoelectronics Industry Development Association (OIDA). The leaders of both OSA and OIDA approved the action this week and the transition phase is underway. According to the announcement, OIDA activities, services and member benefits will continue without interruption as preparations are made for a busy year of programming activities and the celebration of the OIDA's 20th anniversary.
"This strategic partnership allows both OSA and OIDA to enhance their business and industrial programming to thousands of professionals in the optics community," said Elizabeth Rogan, OSA CEO. "The two organizations have successfully collaborated in the past and will continue to be a voice for their members and respective industries. We value the content and member services OIDA provides and we look forward to the important contributions they will make in the years ahead."
OIDA will remain a separate entity under the OSA umbrella. OIDA will deliver programming and member services under the guidance of its voting members and board. The first OIDA Forum of the year will take place March 7 in tandem with OFC/NFOEC 2011. The workshop will conclude with a reception celebrating OIDA's 20th anniversary and its exciting new future.
"With this formal union, OIDA will be in a stronger position to serve the optoelectronics industry through its advocacy efforts, technical meetings, publications and member services," said OIDA Board Chair Richard R. Grzybowski. "Now more than ever, associations such as OIDA are aligning with peer societies that share values and priorities. This alliance with OSA will enable OIDA to securely build upon its past accomplishments as it works to develop valuable new services and products. We are delighted about this partnership, especially as OIDA celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2011."
Source: OSA
Stephen G. Anderson | Director, Industry Development - SPIE
Stephen Anderson is a photonics industry expert with an international background and has been actively involved with lasers and photonics for more than 30 years. As Director, Industry Development at SPIE – The international society for optics and photonics – he is responsible for tracking the photonics industry markets and technology to help define long-term strategy, while also facilitating development of SPIE’s industry activities. Before joining SPIE, Anderson was Associate Publisher and Editor in Chief of Laser Focus World and chaired the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar. Anderson also co-founded the BioOptics World brand. Anderson holds a chemistry degree from the University of York and an Executive MBA from Golden Gate University.