A mixed response has greeted a new London-based exhibition and conference for the UK optical market. The Eye Show is scheduled at Excel London on February 12-14 2013 - two months before Optrafair in Birmingham (News 22.06.11).
Organisers Emerge Expo said the event was created in response to industry demand. Exhibition director Dawn Kime said: 'We have had an unprecedented response to the launch just over three weeks ago, with 75 exhibitors already booked for 2013 from around the world. There is a lot of excitement about The Eye Show. The most familiar response from key industry players is: "The Eye Show in London is just what we have needed for a very long time."'
Just days before an 'early bird' booking offer was about to expire, Optician asked a number of UK companies for their reaction to the show's launch.
TD Tom Davies managing director Tom Davies was sanguine over the plans, but remained cautious. 'A London-based show is crucial for the UK optics market, so I'm really excited by the news. Birmingham doesn't have the same appeal as London and the weak pound would attract international visitors.
'I have seen new shows collapse in the past, though, so I would investigate the possibility of taking out insurance against the show not going ahead,' he added.
Nick Boys sales director at William Morris Eyewear said he couldn't believe an organiser would book a venue like the Excel without consulting the industry beforehand, and didn't know any companies that had made bookings.
Frank Norville stated the Norville Group would not be attending because the UK optics market no longer had the international business to support a large capital show.
Emerge Expo said Haag-Streit, Kowa Optimed, International Eyewear and Luxottica UK were just some of the companies which had reserved space, although Luxottica UK told Optician it would not be attending.
David Baker, managing director of International Eyewear said he had shown an interest to be kept informed, but insisted IE would not attend. 'We have got no reservation, no booking, no nothing,' he said.