This has been an historic year for the Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation symposium. We received a record number of abstract submissions for the originally scheduled event in Yokohama, which would have been our first time to host the meeting in Asia. When we realized the meeting could not be safely held in June, we found alternative dates and a location in San Diego in hopes the community would be able to gather in person in December.

We all know the value of the in-person event experience and how important it is for the community to come together with full participation. Unfortunately, ongoing governmental and organizational travel restrictions prevent most people from traveling to San Diego in December. In order to support this vital community during an unprecedented time, SPIE is transitioning this event into a safe and accessible no-charge Digital Forum that will run 13—18 December 2020. This online SPIE event will include live plenary presentations, on-demand technical talks, exhibitor demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with other participants.

We know it is hard to devote full days to watch presentations online. Therefore, we will offer some time-synchronized sessions — such as live plenary talks and networking events — while technical talks and papers will be available whenever it is convenient for you to view them. To further reduce scheduling pressures, we are making all presentations freely available on an ongoing basis via the SPIE Digital Library to anyone who registers for the free Digital Forum.

While it is impossible to recreate the spontaneous connections that occur in the sessions and hallways of any great event, the Digital Forum will offer plenty of virtual opportunities to interact with presenters and to meet and chat online with fellow attendees.

Authors and presenters will receive an email with instructions regarding uploading presentations and timelines, as well as our online discussion features.

Look for details in future emails and on the event website as we continue to make updates.

After this health crisis passes, we look forward to resuming face-to-face events. Until then, please mark your calendar for SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation Digital Forum 13—18 December 2020 to share, learn, and connect online from wherever you are.