Mark your diaries: O-Show, the boutique event known for bringing together the best in optical products and services for Australian and New Zealand practices, will be staged at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday 16 and Monday 17 August 2026.
This unique trade fair, celebrated for helping optical professionals discover both timeless classics and the latest trends in eyewear, equipment, accessories, and services, will also include a ‘Mastery Program’ focussed on helping practices grow their business.
Right for the Industry
Owned by the Australian Distributors and Manufacturers’ Association (ODMA) and developed by the industry, O-Show26 marks a welcome return of a major trade fair to Victoria. ODMA’s last large-scale event involvement in the state was O=MEGA23, and since then O-Show has been staged in Sydney.
ODMA CEO Amanda Trotman said, “The decision now seems obvious, but it took considerable planning and reflection to ensure we did what’s right for the industry.”
She explained that the move reflects ODMA’s understanding of the significant investment suppliers and distributors make to participate in live events. “The 2026 approach continues a deliberate approach – offering a more boutique show in the year that buying groups are often running their major biennial conference, however one that still offers strong exposure and access to a broad audience while offering great options for smaller and non-custom build stands,” she said.
The chosen venue in Melbourne offers more space than the prior Sydney venue, being the Hordern Pavilion, and is familiar to exhibitors and visitors alike. Alternating between Sydney and Melbourne ensures accessibility for attendees nationwide, while retaining the scale needed to deliver value for all involved.
The 2026 approach continues a deliberate approach – offering a more boutique show in the year that buying groups are often running their major biennial conference
“The move to August from May was also made with the industry in mind,” Ms Trotman said. “Suppliers face increasing cost pressures, from tariffs to freight and wages. Anything we can do to support them, helps them support practices who are also navigating rising operational costs.
“ODMA’s end goal is a strong supplier base as that means a strong independent practice segment, with access to the products and tools they need to grow and diversify. The new August timing allows more new-release products to be available, particularly as some launches align with SILMO Paris. It also avoids the busy end-of-financial-year period and gives suppliers the option to allocate budget across two financial years if needed.”
Ms Trotman said the decision to hold the event on a Sunday and Monday gives practices the flexibility to attend on either a weekend or weekday. “For those not open seven days, it also gives team members the chance to participate on their day off,” Ms Trotman concluded.
