Technology the focus of new optical trade show

According to event host ODMA, the inaugural O-Show, which took place on 21-22 May in Melbourne, was designed to alternate with the association’s biennial ODMA trade event. [The] O-Show timing fits perfectly well to be run in the alternate year to the ODMA show and will be a great resource for the industry, ODMA chief executive officer Ms Finola Carey stated in the lead-up to the event. It is a non-CPD event with the phasis on hands-on donstrations, and the opportunity to compare and contrast new products and equipment. The so-called pop-up boutique event featured 30 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of optical products and services, including spectacle and sunglasses frames, lenses, ophthalmic equipment, and financial, digital marketing and laboratory services.Several live donstrations were held in a dedicated space on the show floor as well as at exhibitor stands, with presentations exploring the latest developments in wide field imaging, OTC angiography, photochromatic lenses, and virtual reality simulators, among others.While not a CPD event, the O-Show incorporated an educational aspect designed to help optometrists improve their businesses. Visitors heard from guest speakers including Mr Paul Hillier, managing director of DenMed, director of Clarity 2020 in New Zealand, and sales director of Clarity 2020; international speaker, trainer and social entrepreneur Mr Mark Davis; and OptomEDGE founder Mr Robert Springer.The Business Snapshot Sinars covered topics such as how to deliver first-class customer service, digital marketing techniques for optometry practices, and patient retention strategies. Ms Kerry van Beuge from Through the Looking Glass also inspired optometrists to create enticing window displays through a live window dressing donstration.Ms Marie Kinsella, CEO of event organiser International Exhibition & Conference Group, said she was delighted with the outcome, which saw just under 700 trade visitors attending the show over the two days, excluding exhibitor staff and guests of attendees. The feedback from all the exhibitors at the conclusion of the show was extrely positive, she told Insight. All loved the concept and the look and feel of the show [and] exhibitors were surprised at how far many of the optometrists had travelled – many from Western Australia, Queensland and even New Zealand. The main comments from exhibitors were that the visitors spent a lot of time on the stands – unlike other shows were they se far more pushed for time, Ms Kinsella added.