Exhibitions & Meetings
100% Breaks 10,000 visitors: Its a record attendance
100% OPTICAL announces record breaking attendance at 10th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
100% Optical made a welcome return to the ExCeL London this week, with a record-breaking 10,657 attendees flocking to the UK’s largest optical event – a 10% year-on-year increase on its previous record attendance.
The three-day optical show featured exciting exhibitor launches, more independent and international eyewear designers than ever before, a world-class education programme of CPD seminars, catwalk shows, awards – and a hugely-popular celebrity guest appearance from Dame Prue Leith.
Backed by all the industry’s leading organisations, 100% Optical had its strongest exhibitor line-up to date; an expanded focus on contact lenses; its annual Love Eyewear Awards ceremony; and more networking opportunities than ever before- alongside exclusive show offers, workshops and debates curated by show partners.
Nathan Garnett, Event Director, (left of catwalk in image) commented after the show: “This year’s show has been a phenomenal success, from a massive uplift in visitor numbers to the greatest range of top brands in attendance, we couldn’t be happier with the results. The testimonials and rebooks for 2024 give us the motivation to keep growing this show for the benefit of everyone in optics.”
Marcolin said: “For us, it’s important to be seen here – 100% Optical is a great opportunity to present the world of Marcolin – show customers who might know us for our two or three key brands that we have a huge portfolio. We’ve been coming for years but we want to widen our network – meetings and conversations that would take us three months in terms of travel, we can do in three days.”
Specsavers said: “This show allows us to reach the whole sector and show them what we are doing, engage with colleagues through our fab CPD sessions, see friends and make friends.”
Essilor said: “We’ve had some great meaningful conversations. We’ve been exhibiting here since day one and we feel like it’s the best 100% Optical yet.”
Gotti said: “Media10 has got it spot on. We really like the show, it’s well structured and even though there are loads of exhibitors the whole experience still feels really tailored and so personal and unique to each brand here.”
COTI said: “Great energy with an amazing mix of international visitors at 100% Optical. We’ve been coming for many years and it’s great to be back.”
AOP said: “During the show, we’ve been over subscribed and there’s been queues for our education sessions. It’s been super busy and have received lots of really interesting queries from members and non-members of our education sessions.”
Feb 31st said: “On the second day, we already achieved what we came to the show to achieve, and we really enjoyed the show for many reasons. We were based in the Studio area and really like our stands’ location. We also love the catwalk as it adds a unique element.”
William Morris said: “After attending 100% Optical for many years, the atmosphere is always great. We always look forward to the show’s fashion elements and that’s why we love it here – it’s not just your average trade show.”
Next year’s 10th anniversary 100% Optical dates have been confirmed for 24th to 26th February 2024, while The Association of Optometrists (AOP) and Media 10 have announced that their partnership to deliver 100% Optical has been extended until 2025.
As part of its 10th anniversary show for 2024, show organisers have also announced a new dedicated 100% Ophthalmology section and education programme, working with key partners, suppliers, and the NHS to deliver more content for ophthalmologists attending the show.
