Lauren Parr named Chief Meeting and Exhibits Officer

29 July 2024

Lauren Parr named Chief Meeting and Exhibits Officer

Parr brings expertise and visionary leadership to Optica's meetings and events portfolio

WASHINGTON-Scientific conferences are a catalyst of innovation. Every year, Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, convenes over 30 meetings to disseminate ground-breaking research and connect a global community of researchers. These inclusive and engaging events require dedicated executive management.

Optica is pleased to welcome Lauren Parr as its Chief Meeting and Exhibits Officer, overseeing the continued growth and success of Optica Meetings. With a robust scientific program development, instructional design and event strategy background, Parr brings over 20 years of experience advancing association missions through events and learning. Most recently, she served as the Senior Vice President of Meetings and Learning at the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

"Creating high-quality, impactful meetings and events for our community is of the highest importance," said Elizabeth Rogan, Optica CEO. "Lauren's expertise and visionary leadership will help shape the future of these programs."

Parr's career at AGU was marked by a commitment to creating compelling scientific conferences and event experiences that drive impactful change within the scientific community. She joined AGU in 2015 as Director of Meetings before assuming her role of Senior Vice President in 2022.

"I've very grateful for the time I've had with the AGU, and I'm excited to join the team at Optica," said Parr. "The breadth and depth of scientific research and application represented in optics and photonics makes this a community and portfolio of events I am eager to serve."

Prior to joining AGU, Parr served at the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society and the American Society for Microbiology. She holds a BS in education and communications from Northern Arizona University and an MS in management from the University of Maryland. She contributes to the business events industry through her service on the PCMA Board of Directors and Trustees.

About Optica

Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is the society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students and others interested in the science of light. Optica's renowned publications, meetings, online resources and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical and educational achievement. Discover more at: Optica.org

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