The IEEE Photonics Society Optical Interconnects Conference seeks to facilitate collaboration required to drive new interconnect architectures and technologies from concepts in research labs to commercial realities. To this end, the conference covers the complete spectrum of high performance interconnect challenges in network systems, architectures, applications, subsystems, and devices. In addition, the crucial role that any interconnect strategy plays can only be fully realized when optimized at the system level. This is particularly so in large future peta- and exa-scale platforms in datacenters and supercomputers. So we look forward to the participation of system architects, programmers and everyone researching the interconnect role in a more self-aware next generation platform. The conference provides a mix of high caliber invited talks in addition to refereed oral and poster papers, each providing a unique opportunity to learn and exchange ideas with the authors. In addition, this year the conference includes an evening panel discussion entitled “Optical Interconnects Supply Chain in 2020: Who Owns the Interface?”. The panelists who are recognized experts in the industry and academia will bring different views to create thought provoking exchanges. All attendees will have a chance to ask questions and participate in exciting technical discussions. The panel will enable all participants to more richly engage in the conference. This year the panel will be held on Tuesday evening, April 21. We urge you all to attend the panel and learn what the panelists and other attendees envision for the future of optical interconnects. We extend our personal thanks to each of the Program Chairs and the Program Committee Members who have volunteered and invested their time realizing this conference. We also thank our invited speakers for sharing their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for new and emerging interconnect technologies and architectures. We believe that the combined efforts of the organizers and speakers will continue the great tradition this conference series has achieved its esteemed reputation. Finally, we want to express our sincere appreciation to the Photonics Society staff for their professional organization and arrangements for this conference.