Optrafair poll gives oea boost

Exhibition organisers, the Ophthalmic Exhibitors' Association (OEA), has released results of a questionnaire sent out shortly after the three-day event ended this year on April 19. The results will be a boost to the OEA seven months before it stages its first fashion-led London-based event, Eyefashion 2000 at the Business Design Centre, Islington. Other details of the research findings included: - 79 per cent of exhibitors said the grid system, new to this year's show, improved 'the appearance, efficiency and style of the show' - 63 per cent of exhibitors said that they wished to keep the same stand - 92 per cent of exhibitors said that wished to take more space at Optrafair 2001 - 82 per cent of visitors thought the range of products was very good - 76 per cent of visitors thought the new-style show awards, 'the Optras', were a good idea and added extra appeal to Optrafair 99. John Hockney, chairman of OEA said: 'These figures amply demonstrate the positive feedback we've had to the innovations introduced at Optrafair 99. 'We are currently working towards Eyefashion 2000 and Optrafair 2001, and aiming to maintain the standards set at Optrafair 99.' After last week's news that London International Optics, the rival optical show scheduled for February 2000, was looking for a new venue, Mr Hockney claimed that support received so far for Eyefashion 2000 - scheduled for March 31-April 2 - had revealed there was 'a definite niche' in the optical calendar for the event. 'It wouldn't be appropriate to look at other fashion-based exhibitions,' he said. 'We should look to Eyefashion 2000, which even now is surpassing all our expectations.' Eyefashion 2000 is on March 31 - April 2.