More first time exhibitors to SILMO Sydney

According to event organiser Mr Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director of Expertise Events, another 12 brands have been added to the list of exhibitors.“A number of suppliers have wanted to commit to the fair but had to wait until the Italian MIDO show finished so they could complete their Australian range selection,” Fitz-Roy said.“Also, it’s not unusual for suppliers to sit back with a wait-and-see attitude with foundational events like SILMO and then book at the last minute after seeing that their competitors will be showcased in front of Australia’s leading optical buyers,” he added.Fitz-Roy explained, “the good news is that all of the most recent additions are first-time exhibitors in Australia and some have very cool designs.”Sydney-based The Stables will be showcasing up to seven brands, which include Garret Leight, Steven Alan Optical, Ahl Eyewear and Kilsgaard while Queensland-based Barz Optics will present its sports range, which includes prescription swim goggles.Kypers, a Spanish eyewear company based in Barcelona has established an Australian operation and will use SILMO as its launch pad into the local market.Another new business entering the Australian optical market is Spectacle Warehouse Australia Distribution (SWAD), which will be debuting its ‘risk free’ business model and offering two brands: Merci Merci and Alternance.The Melbourne-based supplier launched last month and according to Mr Dheeran Makadia, director of SWAD, the new business will offer European-styled frames with no upfront cost, no long-term commitment and no ‘dead stock’ issues.“Even though the show is a little over a week away, we are still finalising one or two more major suppliers, which will mean there are well over 220 brands being showcased from more than 70 companies. More exciting is the fact that around 50% of the brands have never exhibited at an Australian optical fair before,” Fitz-Roy said.Not just productA number of associations have thrown their support behind the event including Cornea & Contact Lens Society, Young Optometrists, Australian College of Behavioural Optometrists and Optometry Australia NSW/ACT.The latter is co-locating its annual Super Sunday conference along side SILMO at the International Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.In addition, the recently launched Australasian College of Optical Dispensing (ACOD) will participate.Mr James Gibbins, ACOD director said, “We are thrilled to be displaying and speaking at SILMO Sydney 2017, in what is our first year of operating as a Registered Training Organisation. It will provide our new college with an ideal platform to reach out to the wider industry, and engage ployers and staff mbers to discuss their training needs.”Gibbins also said that ACOD would conduct a challenging focimetry competition during the three day event: “We invite visitors to drop by the stand to test their skills.”SILMO Sydney will take place at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, March 9–11, while the Super Sunday conference runs on March 12.