Optrafair innovation awards - entry deadline approaches

The Birmingham show, which will take place from April 17-19, will have seven awards, called the Optrafair Awards for Innovation and Design. The awards are open to each of the Optrafair exhibitors, and the Ophthalmic Exhibitors' Association, the show's organising body, has chosen the categories to 'encompass the whole eyewear industry'. The awards are sub-divided into the following: international frames in four categories: female male unisex children and three other categories: international sunglasses international sports and leisure activity frames contact lenses and care products. All entries must have been launched in the 12 months to April 1999. A panel of judges will carry out final judging during February and the award-winning entries will be on display in the new Grand Prix area in the NEC's Hall 6. Additionally, the awards display will showcase winning products from the Spectacle Makers Company Awards for British manufacturers' frames. A hotline for visitors' registration has been established with Quality Registration Services (tel: 0181 735 0375), and potential visitors can write to: Optrafair 99, PO Box 262, Derby, DE1 9WY. Badges for pre-registered visitors will be despatched in March.