Visitor numbers for Optrafair 2009, which took place from April 4-6 at the Birmingham NEC, fell substantially from the last show in 2007. But the organiser insisted the show attracted 'quality' professionals with a purpose in mind and a mission to enhance their business.
According to the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO), Optrafair 2009 attracted 6,505 visitors over the three days. In 2007 the show attracted around 11,665 visitors. The FMO pointed out that this year's attendance figures did not include exhibitors who were included in the 2007 figures.
Moreover, the floor space taken this year was down 15 per cent from 2007. However, Optrafair 2009 attracted 56 new exhibitors who came from as far afield as the US, India and South Korea.
Commenting on this year's attendance, a FMO spokeswoman told Optician: 'We are happy with the figures in the current difficult trading climate because across the board many trade exhibitions have had to be cancelled including the Motor Show.'
She added: 'The type of visitors who came were very bullish, they were the type of people who had come to the show to see what they could do to enhance their business.
'They were also looking to seriously enhance their practice management systems and make those processes far more automated. The frame companies, particularly those in the Fashion Quarter, also had a very good show.'
The spokeswoman also emphasised it was good three-days for those companies that had pre-marketed their presence at the show including offering incentives such as Optrafair exclusive discounts.