News

ABDO has slashed the cost of attending this year's conference and exhibition in a bid to make the event more accessible and fit in with the pressures of the tough economic situation.

This year's event - from October 9-10 - has also been switched to the Bristol Marriot City Centre and will not be held at the Celtic Manor golf resort following a 'total rethink after Brighton'.

The cost of attending the conference will be £65 or £165 including accommodation and meals, that compares with £450 for last year's event

Elaine Grisdale, Association of British Dispensing Opticians head of professional relations, said that when assessing the 2009 Brighton conference the effects of the economic situation had become clear. The situation had now totally changed and many of ABDO's expectations for Brighton failed to materialise.

The Celtic Manor venue had been chosen before the recession hit, but as no contract had been signed there was no cancellation penalty said Grisdale.

The format of the weekend will change radically to fit in with what delegates have asked for. On the Saturday there will be networking and social events such as the football tournament, student university challenge and golf.The event will also go back to back with the Essilor College and University symposium into which delegates can gain access. The ABDO Annual General Meeting will take place at 5pm followed by the gala dinner.

The format for Sunday will be completely different. A series of rolling practical seminars will be held alongside the stands in the main exhibition area. There will also be low vision and frame repair workshops and the event will offer seven CET points. The exhibition will have space for 40 stands and will revert to cheaper table-tops from last year's 70 shell scheme units.

'You only pay for what you want,' said Grisdale. 'If you just want to come along for the Saturday there's no charge. The gala dinner will be £70.'

ABDO will also be offering easy payment terms for anyone wishing to pay for their delegate fees in stages.

Providing exclusive eye care news, information and educational needs every week, including a FREE CET programme. Subscribe to Optician Print Edition.