Business is brisk as show holds its own

At a time of uncertainty over CET and growing fears for consumer confidence, Optrafair provided a welcome diversion for its thousands of visitors.

Exhibitors told optician the event had improved as an arena to do business in, and there were certainly more exhibitors than previously.

Stand space had indeed been sold right up until the last minute, and the NEC had a more business-like feel than in the past, even though the suspicion was the event covered a smaller area than in 2003.

Nevertheless, there was room enough for several large  prestigious stands, the return of special sections, such as the Boulevard setting, and the first CET lecture centre to take its place in the main part of the show.

The response to the show from the profession was praised by exhibition owners the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians. It said the show attendance had been 'good' and claimed many exhibitors left the three-day event with 'bulging order books'.

One such company was Birmingham Optical Group (BOG) which used the show to launch the new Nidek edging technology for in-store rimless glazing.

Chris Tyler, BOG chief executive, said the show was the most successful for the company.

'I was delighted by the financial outcome of the show,' he enthused, 'and while total visitor numbers appeared to be down on 2003 the actual ratio of purchaser to visitors reached an all-time high.'

In fact, the organisers calculated show attendance was actually up on last time, squeaking past 2003's figure by just 18.

A total of 11,665 visited, with Sunday being the busiest day with 5,361; Saturday had 3,920 and Monday 2,384. Reflecting that 11,647 attended the 2003 show, an FMO spokeswoman commented that Optrafair 'has found its natural level'.

The next task for the Federation will be to decide on whether to hold a London event next year following the results of its own visitor research gathered at the NEC show this week.

At the 2003 show, similar research was slightly in favour of Optrafair becoming an annual event. However, even if this opinion grows and sways the organisers into action themselves, finding a suitably unbooked location in the capital within a year may not be easy.

London 2006 or not, many of those who attended this year's Optrafair met their objectives. As the show began to wind down on Monday many young hopefuls were auditioning at an adjacent NEC hall for a major television talent show - and for a proportion of the UK optical industry Optrafair continues to retain its own special X factor.  
david.challinor@rbi.co.uk