The International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE) has agreed to purchase Xmark Media, trade show organizer of key photonics exhibitions and conferences in the U.K. 

The purchase includes Photonex Europe, Photonex Scotland, Photonex London, Vacuum Expo, Graphene Expo, regional photonics road shows, and university exhibitions. 

The acquisition expands SPIE activities in Europe, adding to established technical events in numerous locations, including Germany, France, and the Czech Republic, which are supported by the SPIE Europe office in Cardiff, Wales. 

Photonex Europe, established in 1992, is an annual exhibit showcasing the latest technologies and developments in the photonics field, including biophotonics, fiber optics, imaging, lasers, microscopy, opto-electronics, and quantum photonics. 

The two-day event brings together supplier companies, consultants, industry leaders, and researchers from across the world. The 2019 event will take place Oct. 9 and 10 in Coventry, England. 

Joining Photonex Europe are the Enlighten Conference and Vacuum Expo. The latter will bring together the industrial and scientific vacuum community for its 10th annual exhibition, training, and conference. 

SPIE is the leading global organizer of optics and photonics conferences and technical exhibitions. Its flagship, SPIE Photonics West, is held annually in San Francisco.