Mr Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director of Expertise Events, said he was thrilled to be working with Optometry NSW/ACT.
“The partnership supports what we originally set out to achieve – an ophthalmic industry event like no other that brings key industry representatives together under one roof,” he stated.
“Having Optometry NSW/ACT on board adds to the impressive international portfolio of exhibitors we’ve built and helps us bring an event that excites, informs and inspires to fruition.”
According to Mr Andrew McKinnon, the chief executive officer of Optometry NSW/ACT, the partnership was an obvious one.
“As Super Sunday is the prier optometry conference for NSW and ACT, it makes perfect sense to join forces with an internationally established event by co-locating our conference,” he explained.
According to a jointly issued media statent, Super Sunday will be conducted on the same weekend as SILMO Sydney, providing country and regional practitioners with the chance to engage in valuable networking opportunities.
The statent added that the well-planned conference schedule would not compromise optometrists’ time. Rather, it would allow attendees to experience the latest industry innovations at SILMO Sydney while fully participating in the Super Sunday conference.
Mr Fitz-Roy explained, “Super Sunday organiser Optometry NSW/ACT understands that the needs of the optometry and ophthalmic markets align with SILMO Sydney’s offering. This arrangent is a significant step forward, especially as it provides a platform for key practice decision-makers and buyers to build relationships.
“We believe industry conferences should be run by associations who both represent and best understand the needs of the industry. To us, success is when all parts of the industry feel like they are involved. It’s essential that industry experts take the initiative and ownership on key aspects such as conference sessions,” he added.
Mr Fitz-Roy also acknowledged the cooperation of Optometry Victoria. “They [Optometry Victoria] moved the Southern Regional Congress to May to best suit the market. SILMO Sydney strives to form collaborations with industry heavyweights such as Optometry Australia and the state associations to aid a unified market and provide outcomes to best suit key buyers.”
The latest news comes hot on the heels of Expertise Events announcing the SILMO Mega Rox Party will be held on Saturday 17 March at The Rocks, beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
“It’s one of a number of new initiatives to create a fun and exciting atmosphere for SILMO Sydney,” Mr Fitz-Roy explained. He noted that the Mega Rox Party “will not be a night for awards or speeches”.
“It will have bands and music for everyone’s tastes, and street-style catering will create a new style of optical social occasion,” he stated.
The inaugural SILMO Sydney event is also being supported by the National Retail Association (NRA), one of Australia’s largest and most representative retail industry organisations. The NRA will collaborate with SILMO Sydney to participate in the Independent Retailers Conference on the show floor.
“The combination strengthens SILMO Sydney’s market launch into Australia and, along with Optometry NSW/ACT, the stage is now set for a successful first event to open the new Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre,” Mr Fitz-Roy said.
