SPIE Photonics West will move from San Jose to San Francisco in 2010, SPIE Senior Director of Events and Global Services Janice Walker announced.

The decision to move to Moscone Center was prompted by the announcement of plans to remodel the San Jose Convention Center, and by the continuing expansion of SPIE Photonics West, which has surpassed capacity for exhibition and conference space in San Jose.

Response from exhibitors has been very positive, said Peter Hallett, Manager of Industry Relations, Exhibitions and Sales.

Susan Grohs of Trumpf said, "We think it's great that SPIE is moving to San Francisco. It's a wonderful city and we are excited that we will all be together under one roof in Moscone."

William Yang of BaySpec said, "This is very positive news. This place is getting crowded. Moscone is large enough to accommodate all of us on the same floor. The move in 2010 will be good for both exhibitors and visitors."

This year's event runs through January 24. SPIE Photonics West 2009 will run January 24-29 in the San Jose Convention Center. SPIE Photonics West 2010 will follow the same late-January scheduling.