Silmo Sydney and the International Opticians’ Association have announced a partnership to deliver a number of education sessions to the annual Sydney fair.
According to organiser Expertise Events, the sessions will “bring a global perspective to the local market”.
As an association dedicated to the enhancement of the optical profession around the world, the IOA brings practitioners, partners and educators together for the development of the profession and the delivery of world class eye care and quality vision.
The IOA recently presented the inaugural Silmo IOA International Optician of the Year award at the Paris show. Commenting on the partnership with Silmo Sydney, Elaine Grisdale, Director of Development for the International Opticians’ Association said, “We offer an international perspective and can marry education with local priorities in line with our aim of enhancing and developing the optical profession worldwide. Next year we will tailor a program to meet Australia’s needs and are excited to be proactively involved”.
Event organiser Gary Fitz-Roy said the partnership underpins the Silmo Sydney’s ‘Made for You’ positioning and reinforces its commitment to being a ‘buyer-led’ event.
“We were the first mainstream show to involve the buyer’s representative, a practice which has now become widespread throughout the industry,” said Mr. Fitz-Roy.
“This, as well as delivering a smoothly run event that delivers something new and exciting, continues to be our focus moving toward Silmo Sydney 2019. This year saw close to 50 per cent new products not seen in Australia before – helping independents in the battle against the chain stores.”
The 2019 event will also include a ‘Dry Eye Symposium’, tackling head-on one of the biggest issues emerging in the industry. In another first, Silmo Sydney 2019 will host the Rising Star Frame Design Competition, which will be judged on three criteria – shape, materials and practicality.
“We don’t want to just roll out the same old conference and seminars format, we need to go where the consumer is and tailor a B2B program that meets their needs,” said Mr. Fitz-Roy.
To further underline this, learnings from a recent survey of retail buyers in Australia will be used to further develop the show. Mr. Fitz-Roy said 57 retailers have offered their time to be involved with the show steering committee, proactively working to deliver an enhanced event that meets buyer’s needs.
Silmo Sydney will be held at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour from 5–7July, 2019.
