ODMA’s decision to move its 2013 exhibition to Brisbane has been met with enthusiasm, according to the organisers, Expertise Events. So much so that the ODMA board has decided to increase exhibitor space by 25 per cent, adding 2,500 square metres of floor space on top of the existing 10,000 square metres.
In announcing the expansion Richard Grills, Chair of ODMA said, “With a new host state of Queensland, new organisers, and new initiatives, 2013 is all about change which reflects the world we live in today. We have listened very closely to the industry, and … we are very excited about how ODMA 2013 will make a tremendous contribution to the future.”
New initiatives include a hosted buyer program, master classes for dispensers and practice staff, a CPD program, fashion parades, and merchandise displays.
The Exhibition has been timed to coincide with the winter school holidays, enabling many visitors and exhibitors to bring their families along with them for a post-event holiday. Some exhibitors have indicated they will compliment their incentive programs with post-event tours.
Gary Fitz-Roy, Managing Director of Expertise Events, said the increased floor size for ODMA goes against the trend of declining exhibition footprints faced by other trade events and is a positive step for the optical industry.
