Echoes of the past: A look at the tradeshows of yesteryear

If today’s trade show exhibitor thinks that two events taking place within a few months of each other is too much, then spare a thought for those of 1965, who had two in successive weekends.

In early May, the northern and southern optical congresses, in Harrogate and Bristol respectively, drew crowds from around the country.

The April 30 edition of Optician from that year includes a preview to the Harrogate event. In his pre-speech address, congress president Mr R Goode issued a rallying cry to younger professionals to attend the conference so that all facets of the industry could be pooled to provide better care for the public.