Media 10, organisers of 100% Optical, and the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) have reached an agreement that brings the main optical bodies and the industry together in one major event for 2021 onwards.
The FMO, together with show organiser MA Exhibitions, a member of the Mark Allen Group, has also made the difficult decision to cancel Optrafair 2020, which was due to take place at the NEC between 19-21 September 2020. This action was taken due to the continued uncertainty surrounding delivery of events as a result of COVID-19.
From now on there will be one major annual exhibition, 100% Optical at London’s ExCeL exhibition centre, which has full industry support from the FMO and other major optical bodies.
The agreement sees the Optrafair brand transition to Media 10 ownership from 2021. The FMO and Media 10 intend to consult with members over the coming months.
Over the last 7 years, 100% Optical has consistently grown attendance figures, and independent research illustrates that London ExCeL in late January is a winning combination for exhibitors and delegates. Since the event’s launch, the AOP has, and will continue to support the event as official partner and education provider whilst the OT magazine is the official media partner.
Nathan Garnett, Event Director for 100% Optical, said: “We are living through uncertain times. Whilst this agreement would have been reached without the current pandemic, its importance now is magnified as the optical industry needs solidarity at this time. With the FMO’s full backing of 100% Optical, coupled with that of the AOP and ABDO, I can see huge potential for us to take 100% Optical forwards, grow our attendance levels, increase the diversity of our content, and make it an even more unmissable date in the UK and International Optical calendar.”
Stuart Burn, Chairman of the FMO, commented: “We are delighted with the outcome of this agreement that will allow FMO members to concentrate on one major exhibition, which will be fantastic for all of us. Now more than ever we can come together as an industry at 100% Optical and tackle the key issues facing optics today.”
Media 10, ExCeL London and local health authorities are currently working on ways to ensure 100% Optical 2021 will be COVID-19 safe, with adherence to all the latest government guidelines on running safe trade exhibitions.
