To organize the first post-pandemic (17th) FiberWeek Conference 2023 under new global and regional circumstances and adversities seemed quite a challenge. Due to the amazing response and to the satisfaction of all: sponsors, the organizer, helping hands and audience it turned out to be a festival of science, practice and even fun and leisure not only to the senior participants but also to those who joined us for the first time. The participants could learn about the developments in science and practice of their particular competences and interests and compare them with their own achievements. They also had opportunities to exchange information and make new contacts in a friendly atmosphere. Therefore, we all feel most grateful not only to those involved in making it possible for this event to be revived but also to those who had the vision of which course this scientific branch and its implementation would take. Namely, Mr. Karl Bauer (NBG) whose support played an important role year after year, was missed this season due to the change of priorities but, hopefully, we look forward to his involvement in the future. The senior participants cherish the motivating memories of Prof. Allan Rogers (RIP), the doyen and innovator in this science who had honoured us with his lectures, in the very beginnings of FiberWeek almost 20 years ago - as long as his health allowed him. The closing presentation offered a simple, eye-opening explanation even to those not involved in the scientific issue of the subject but who may contribute to spreading the goal of progress through the fiber optic technology in general. At this point it might be interesting to emphasize that a considerable number of women took part in FiberWeek and that the Conference was closed on the Eve of Day of Women in IT Sector.