Stepping into the darkened hall of the biennial O-Show, again held at Central Pier in Melbourne’s Docklands, is like stepping into a cocoon of warm hospitality.
The larger exhibition halls of other conferences and fairs are a far cry from this boutique offering from the Optical Manufacturing Association of Australia (ODMA). There’s no CPD-session pressure to see exhibitors at certain times, allowing for a leisurely flow of visitors throughout the show’s two days.
Exhibitor space at this year’s O-Show sold out quickly to many of the region’s biggest frames and equipment suppliers. The 2018 event also attracted more than 700 visitors; the majority from Victoria, but nearly a quarter from elsewhere in Australia and overseas, including New Zealand.
Matt Wensor, Zeiss Australasia’s strategic marketing manager, said ODMA members didn’t just support the event because they were ODMA members, but because the event works. “The O-Show has a smaller boutique feel about it, which creates a good opportunity to catch up with customers and others within the industry in a relaxed and unhurried environment.”
Eyes Right Optical’s new managing director Mark Wymond, son of founders Gaye and David Wymond, also commented on the show’s relaxed feel, allowing exhibitors to catch up with a lot of people in just a couple of days.
