100% Optical top 10 ‘must-sees’
Special events are planned around the Catwalk
Ahead of the return of 100% Optical to London’s ExCeL on 1-3 March, the organisers have shared their top 10 recommendations for visitors. The team have also made special provisions for visitors observing Ramadan during the event.
1. David Beckham Eyewear. Safilo will launch Eyewear by David Beckham and is inviting visitors to explore the latest collection and a shopping experience in an exclusive Eyewear by David Beckham Lounge. The company is also sponsoring drinks for the opening night party at the Central Bar.
2. Paddington Bear. Coral Eyewear has partnered with Studiocanal Kids & Family to introduce a collection of frames and sunglasses featuring the beloved bear. The company will launch the collection with an appearance by this iconic character on Sunday 2 March.
3. 100% Studio (sponsored by Nikon Lenswear UK). A bigger, bolder and enhanced area featuring new brands is promised, with 12 new stands. The area is committed to championing independent eyewear brands that honour craftsmanship, creativity and innovation.
4. Networking in abundance. Nikon Lenswear UK will provide four happy hour sessions at the 100% Studio on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March with a live DJ. New for this year, the Optical Women’s Association is hosting Sparkles & Sips from 4-5pm on Saturday 1 March at the Catwalk.
5. 100% Ophthalmology and 100% Optical under one roof. During the three-day exhibition, ophthalmology specialists will come together and work collaboratively with optometrists, dispensing opticians and the wider optical industry.
6. Focus on the future. Expect updates and new features from a contemporary brand refresh, new-look website and tagline, a bigger and bolder Central Bar, as well as a reimagined floor plan to further hero the 100% Studio and independent brands.
7. Live catwalk shows. Check out the latest in fashion and design during the show’s popular catwalk performances up to three times per day.
8. World-class education programme. Another year of thought-provoking seminars, discussion workshops, peer reviews and lectures by some of the industry’s top leading names. In collaboration with the AOP, the event’s long standing partner, 100% Optical will be offering 100 hours of CPD sessions and one to three CPD points across all sessions.
9. International appeal. Of the 250 exhibitors and 5,000 brands lined up, hundreds of new brand names feature on the exhibitor list including a host of international brands such as Bellinger, VAVA, LumiThera, POLAR, Reichert/Ametek, MYKITA and more.
10. Love Eyewear Awards. Following another year of record-breaking entries, the winners will be announced on the Catwalk at 5pm on Saturday 1 March. A panel of industry experts and optical enthusiasts came together ahead of the highly-anticipated awards ceremony to carefully shortlist the entries.
Selin Pera, senior marketing executive at CloserStill Media, said: “On behalf of the entire organising team, we are thrilled to welcome everyone back to the UK’s largest optical event, and are proud to be celebrating yet another milestone this year. There is so much to see and do this year, and after a record-breaking 10th anniversary in 2024, we are excited to focus on the future of optics and welcome new generations into the world of optometry.
“This year’s show is set to be more dynamic than ever. We’ve been eager to unveil our fresh new look and feel including a reimagined floor plan to make sure that we deliver a more vibrant and engaging experience taking on board all visitor and exhibitor feedback from the past decade.
“For our friends observing Ramadan, we will be providing Iftar vouchers, which can be requested from marketing@100percentoptical.com and picked up from the organisers’ office. You can choose from the food stall options available using this voucher, all for free. We have built a prayer facility on the show floor and there are many prayer rooms available in the Excel boulevard. We want to ensure everyone can attend this celebration of our industry,” Selin added.