Optrafair 2011's launch last week coincides with hopes of an optical recovery in 2010. If the recent Opti-Munich show was any indication, those hopes are well-founded but recovery won't happen on its own.
Opti-Munich has dragged itself back from falling exhibitor and visitor numbers and a smaller venue to achieve increases at a difficult economic time (news 22.10.01).
This change of fortune hasn't happened by magic, it has happened because the German system of manual craft promotion agencies have teamed up with the nation's network of regional development councils to promote the optical trade and the exhibition that represents it with a focus.
Optrafair's organisers have called on the optical bodies to do their bit to drive their members to its show. While there were positive noises from the trade bodies at the launch event, more concrete promises of support and intent are needed. Most of the associations have their own events, all of which have mini-exhibitions that tap into the same revenues as Optrafair.
While the optical industry offers fantastic support for the profession, the proliferation of optical events has made its contact with the profession an expensive business. Perhaps the early launch of Optrafair 2011 will allow the bodies to get together and provide new focus for a single optical exhibition.
