Regarded as the eye on the optical market of Australia, Odmafair has been the premier optical show in the Southern Hemisphere for some 30 years now. Odmafair 2009 will continue to provide the optical industry with an event that offers the latest in eye care and eyewear technologies; along with the latest innovations and fashion trends.
Odmafair 09 is the 17th running of the largest optical tradeshow in the Southern Hemisphere.
The first Odmafair was held in March 1979 at the Sebel Town House, Sydney with 26 exhibitors and 600 visitors. The following year, Odmafair was held in Melbourne. It was the first and only time the exhibition has been held outside Sydney. A decision was made by the board to make Odmafair a Sydney based event and celebration of optics.
The exhibition was moved from the Sebel to Centrepoint for several years, before being moved to its present location at Darling Harbour.
In the 1980s it was decided Odmafair should be held every second year. This made an enormous impact on the amount of visitors and the numbers increased significantly as did the amount of exhibitors with the Fair growing to two halls in 1987.
In 2007, the show grew to 3 halls and smashed all records in the significant areas of overall attendance, space occupied and in the number of companies exhibiting.
The Fair attracted an all-time trade attendance record of 7,365 which represented an increase of 13 per cent over the attendance in 2005 and occupied a total area of 15,000 square metres – up from 10,000 in 2005, and attracted a total of 148 exhibitors including 53 new exhibitors.
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Hosted by the Optical Distributors & Manufacturers Association of Australia (ODMA) and organised by Exhibition Management Pty Ltd (EMPL), Odmafair is still the largest technology and fashion event for eye care professionals in Australia.
The Fair provides eye care professionals with the opportunity to keep one pace ahead; make informed purchasing decisions; discover what’s new; place orders and meet face to face with manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.
In addition, true to the spirit of Odmafair, event-goers will enjoy all the hospitality the exhibitors are well-known for and the chance to rub shoulders with special guests – from designers and sporting personalities to celebrities and trend setters!
Odmafair 09 will provide optometrists, ophthalmologists, orthoptists and all other optical professionals with the opportunity to compare modern equipment and new collections.
Determined to meet the needs of the industry, the exhibitors will be presenting a multitude of displays, such as:
- Eyewear fashion trends for spectacle frames and sunglasses including children’s frames and sports eyewear
- Optical and ophthalmological lenses, contact lenses, sunglass lenses, sport lenses, accessories and solutions for lenses
- Eyeglass cases and accessories
- Revolutionary instruments for optometry and ophthalmology
- Machinery, tools and equipment for optical workshops
- Machinery, tools and equipment for frames and lenses industry
- Microscopes, binoculars, barometers
- Parts and repairs
- Practice software and management systems
- Store and workshop furniture & fittings
- Sample cases and display stands
- Trade and technical press
- Shop fittings, loss prevention, customer loyalty and management programmes
Odmafair 09 will not only meet the needs of buyers on many levels, but it will bring many of the finest names in optical products and equipment to the industry with exhibitors scouring the globe for the latest looks from Europe and the U.S. Exhibitors are gearing up to bring the very best the world and Australia has to offer, so if you think you’ve seen it all before – take another look!
New from ODMA in 2009
ODMA is not just Odmafair. ODMA also, represents the industry on standards committees, lobbies government on the industry’s behalf, undertakes research for the benefit of the whole optical industry, and is the producer of the Optical Retail Guide for independent practitioners. If you would like to discuss any of ODMA’s initiatives regarding your industry, stop by the ODMA Information Booth and speak to their experienced staff.
As host body of the Fair, ODMA places great value in providing visitors with the very best in amenities and for 2009 have added some exciting new amenities to further your Odmafair experience! Don’t miss the new ‘Visitor Pamper Zone,’ free internet facilities within the ODMA Business Lounge, and the new ‘Chill Zone.’
Odmafair 2009 is also hosting a brand new workshop and seminar series over the three opening days, offering optometrist an opportunity to earn CPD points!
Further Information
Jump online to search for exhibitor/ product listings; investigate workshops and seminars: www.odmafair.com.au
Odmafair 09 will be held in Halls 1, 2 & 3, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July.
