As part of a professional development event in Torino, Italy, the IEEE Photonics President-Elect will present “The Importance of IEEE Photonics History: Six Decades of Innovation, Growth, and Leadership.” The presentation will trace the Society’s evolution from its origins in quantum electronics in the 1960s to its role today as a global leader in photonics tech. This historical overview highlights key milestones, such as the invention of the laser, the birth of fiber optic communications, the establishment of cornerstone conferences like OFC and CLEO, the creation of pioneering journals.