Ten trade shows in three months. Where are you heading?

Happy New Year and welcome to the future.

With technology gathering pace, trade shows feel a little clunky and old-fashioned but they remain an important part of the #optical industry.

NYC alone has a handful of #eyewear events in March now that #VisionExpo has moved to #Orlando, including LOFT Eyewear Events and EYECONS Agency There is also an exciting, new show, @eyeballpalmsprings, launching in January.

Europe hosts 100% Optical opti and MIDO as well as some smaller local events so it would be easy to spend all of your time traveling the world talking #glasses rather than selling them.

So what is an optician supposed to do?

Hey....and don't forget us, the brands......how do we decide where to exhibit?

Every show costs a fortune to attend whether you are exhibiting or bringing your team along to discover what's new and hot.

It is soooooooo important to stay ahead of the game. Finding new products to excite your audience, updating to the latest technology, even keeping your ear to the ground for rumours of industry movement. A trade show is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse.

Stores, choose wisely. Decide what you want to achieve before deciding which shows to attend and PLEASE, remember that us designers spend a fortune to exhibit at these shows.

If you can, purchase at the event. Don't ask us to visit your store after the show!

At the show, you get to see the whole collection and often chat with the people behind the brand so it is the ideal time to get solid advice.

Kirk & Kirk will be at Eyeball, 100% Optical and The Loft and maybe another show or two.

Where will you be going and why?

#sunglasses #tradeshows #lunettes #brillen