The Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) has made adjustments to the OSHOW24 program to improve the attendee experience, in addition to a new collaboration with Optometry NSW/ACT (ONSW/ACT) so optometrists can engage in trade and education across the same weekend.
The event, returning to Horden Pavillion in Sydney from 17 to 18 May 2024, will build on the success of its predecessor shows and, in a strategic move, will be held on the same weekend as ONSWACT’s annual Super Sunday conference on 19 May.
To ensure convenience for attendees, ODMA CEO Ms Amanda Trotman said that ODMA and ONSW/ACT had collaborated to consolidate dates and venues that would allow attendees to seamlessly attend OSHOW24 on Friday and Saturday and then the annual Super Sunday conference on Sunday.
“Live events are key to bringing together those that need great eyecare equipment and other health care products as well as amazing eyewear and those that provide them. Visitors are able to see and touch and feel products, as well as hear firsthand from those distributing the products as to how they will assist the profitability in their practices,” she said.
“We know how important live events are given how high survey ratings are for the decision to attend being related to seeing new products and catching up with colleagues. My role is centred around supporting distributors and manufacturers and helping strengthen independent practice, and live events are key to combining these aims.”
Mr Andrew McKinnon, CEO of ONSW/ACT, said the weekend of 17-19 May 2024 “is shaping up to be one of the NSW optometry highlights of the year”.
Super Sunday 2024 will offer 10 CPD hours (including 7.5T and 2i) at Doltone House, Darling Island. The program will feature an expert line-up of Australian and international speakers, with a focus on ocular pathology.
“To make the most of it, don’t forget that all registered delegates are invited as guests at the OSHOW24 Saturday night networking event, at Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park, as a kick start for Super Sunday,” McKinnon said.
New initiatives are in planning to help attract more visitors while providing more times when practices are closed. This will allow more people to attend plus to improve the experience. It includes:
- Trade Fair open until 7pm each day
- Additional networking and social opportunities
- Super Sunday attendees incorporated into the Saturday evening networking event
- Interactive displays and social media photo opportunities
- An event for all members of the practice team
- A ‘Frames Central’ feature area
- Product releases given both SILMO Paris and MIDO Italy will have been held by May 2024
ODMA expects to make further announcements regarding additional OSHOW24 initiatives. Details can be found at www.o-show.com.au.
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