ODMA|2013 promises to be a cracker

Not only is it a different venue this year, many new its have been added to the agenda to enhance the value of attendance at the largest optical show in the Australian and New Zealand industry.With the tradeshow being held in Brisbane for the first time, there has been some conjecture over the past 12 months regarding the impact this might have on the numbers. However, this has not proven to be the case as evidenced in the registration numbers. Finola Carey, chief executive officer at ODMA told INSIGHT: Pre-Registrations for the Fair are on par with 2011 but the really exciting thing is that many of the registrants are new to ODMAFAIR – exhibitors will see new clients they just never saw in Sydney. And what’s of great value is the show has now opened up to more QLD attendees with 40% of pre-registered visitors coming from the home State – our third largest state – thereby making the show more accessible to a broader range of delegates. We’ve also seen a big boost in registrations from WA and New Zealand. This new diversity is a win for delegates and exhibitors alike, Ms Carey told INSIGHT.Beyond location change, the other major change is the conference program with 40.5 CPD points on offer for optometrists with 31 therapeutic points, in addition to master classes for practice owners, dispensers and other practice staff. Almost 600 eye-care practitioners have registered for the conference program and master classes. All the dispensing master classes have been oversubscribed to – an interesting observation in a market where optical dispensing has been completely deregulated. ODMA being the sole sponsor means we’ve been able to design a program that provides the best possible education at the lowest price to support independent practitioners when they most need it, Ms Carey said.The socialising and networking aspects of the ODMA tradeshow have also been given a massive boost with the addition of a Gala Dinner on Saturday night and the ODMA Open on Monday; an Ambrose golf competition in the Brisbane sun with INSIGHT as the Gold Sponsor and proceeds going to Optometry Giving Sight.Also new to ODMA this year is an on-floor kitchen whereby you can grab some freshly cooked food – something that has been missing at past ODMAs, and sure to be an appreciated success; and while you’re getting your fresh food, come by the INSIGHT stand opposite to say hello and meet the faces behind the words… and go into the draw to win an iPad Mini! Top all of that off with new fashion parades each day and a visual merchandising student window display to inspire eye-care practitioners, ODMA|2013 is lining itself up to be a cracker this year!