The Club Laser & Procédés (CLP) was born in 1985 from the desire of a few players from the academic and industrial worlds to create a place for exchange to promote and develop the potential of emerging laser technologies. Since its creation, CLP has continuously evolved to support the technological, economic, and human transformations of the sector—a trajectory marked by boldness, adaptability, and structuring initiatives. John Lopez, President of CLP, reflects on the milestones that have shaped the network’s identity.
A decisive turning point: CLP’s independence (2005)
The end of the “emplois-jeunes” program marked the first deep transformation. Under the leadership of Jacky Portrat, CLP became a private, independent, and self-funded association: a major development that laid the foundations of the current model and gave it new freedom of action.
"This transformation allowed CLP to dare, experiment, and pilot new initiatives. For a scientific—and playful—mind like mine, it became a real permanent experimental playground," emphasizes John Lopez.
From “Annual Days” to “PLI Conferences”: a continuous rise in prominence
From 2009 onwards, the “Annual Days” gradually evolved into a true national and then international event. Simultaneous translation, visual identity, event structuring… each successive edition gained visibility, quality, and ambition, culminating in 2019 with the creation of the PLI Conferences, now recognized as a key event in the laser sector.
Increasing openness to industry and the photonics ecosystem
Between 2012 and 2024, CLP multiplied structuring collaborations:
- First collective booth at the MICRONORA trade show and co-organization of “Zoom Laser,” a 400 m² space entirely dedicated to laser technology with 4 booths, 20 posters, 400 samples, and 8 demonstration machines
- Co-creation of the National Optical and Laser Safety Commission (CONSOL), alongside IREPA LASER, the PYLA training center, and CEA, today led by PHOTONICS FRANCE
Partnerships with clusters and innovation hubs (ALPHA-RLH, PHOTONICS BRETAGNE, MINALOGIC, SYSTEMATIC, SFO)
- High-level roundtables bringing together major decision-makers (STELLANTIS, AIRBUS, GIFAS…)
- Strengthening communication actions (website redesign, creation of a YouTube channel, new visual identity, event photos and videos)
"These actions allow CLP to unite our members and strengthen our visibility while keeping people at the center of our network," explains John Lopez.
These initiatives enhance the network’s visibility and its driving role in structuring the sector.
An increasingly engaged community
From 2022 onwards, the PLI Conferences experienced remarkable growth: 125 participants in Saint-Étienne, then 165 in Rennes, nearly 190 in Bordeaux… establishing themselves as a major European event capable of bridging expertise and bringing together industry, academia, institutions, and young researchers.
2026: a new stage to attract talent
The 2026 edition will mark a new milestone with the creation of a poster session dedicated to PhD students, further opening the network to young talent and supporting the renewal of the sector.
A common thread: adaptability, boldness, and collective strength
In forty years, CLP has reinvented itself several times while staying true to its mission: to unite, inspire, and support the laser industry.
"Forty years after its creation, CLP continues to grow and adapt, always with its community at the heart of the action," concludes John Lopez.
This trajectory illustrates the vitality of a network capable of growing, innovating, and bringing people together while remaining faithful to its founding values.
