100% Optical launch event a major success!
When Media 10 launched 100% Optical in February 2012 at the Vinyl Factory in Soho, we had a vision of creating a new, well-designed, well-curated, exciting annual event in a world-class London venue. Now the industry is buzzing after a fantastic three day event at ExCeL. 100% Optical attracted over 5,300 professionals, contained 200 interesting and varied exhibitors, more than 3,000 products, amassed a staggering 100 hours plus of CET, and attracted star speakers from Australia, South Africa, Holland, and Israel to name a few.
100% Optical had support from key industry people with huge credibility and respect, unparalleled support from the Association of Optometrists and our media partner Optometry Today, as well as Moorfield’s Eye Hospital, LOCSU, the BCLA, The College of Optometry, the Royal College of Art, University College London and Optometry Giving Sight. This gave us the edge on a very respectable and comprehensive clinical seminar programme. We staged some great debates, from the future of eyewear design, to the impact of 3D printing on optics, the role of the optician on the high street, and the role of British frame manufacturing. Speakers that are also leaders in their respected fields, like Roger Pope (optician to The Queen), Jason Kirk (Kirk & Kirk) and Marie Wilkinson (Cutler & Gross) were able to provide a long awaited voice and platform to fly the flag for UK optics.
The overwhelming feedback was that the event felt new, fresh, innovative, and inspiring, and was packed with great exhibitors and interesting features. The catwalk added a wow factor and brought energy and excitement to the thousands of new frames on show. Watch this space - as 100% Optical develops, it will get better and better at filling your needs and delivering the type of trade event this industry deserves. We felt we could bring something of real value into the industry, and by working together, we have made a fantastic start.
Thank you to everyone involved – now there is something we can really build on. See you in February 2015.