Optrafair move mooted

Following the 41st edition of Optrafair, held at the NEC Birmingham from 30 March to 1 April, the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) is consulting its members on proposals for the future.

One of the options being discussed is moving Optrafair to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry in 2021. The 2020 show has already been booked to recur at the NEC Birmingham, from 4-6 April.

Talking about next year’s event, Andy York, chairman of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO), said: “Optrafair 2020 is shaping up to be a massive event with a more inclusive atmosphere, encompassing the whole optics industry, including ophthalmology, contact lenses and pharmaceutical. It will also have additional features such as an optical fashion competition, a crèche for youngsters and a Practice of the Future.”

With regards to a potential move to Coventry the following year, David Ellison, FMO membership manager, said: “No decision has yet been made. We are asking members for their thoughts and reviewing each option – and any proposal will need to be passed by the FMO board.”