Planning for 100% Optical

Taking place from 1–3 March, the event will see the optical industry come together at ExCeL London.More than 250 exhibitors will attend the show, highlighting the latest in design and technology in optics.

Exhibitors, new stands, and awards

Selin Pera, senior marketing executive at CloserStill Media, shared that, whether attending one day or all three: “It’s important to plan your time wisely, as there will be lots going on around the show.”

Delegates can find the exhibitor list on the 100% Optical website to take a look at the brands that will be represented at the show.

Pera recommended contacting exhibitors through the website, sharing: “This way, you’ll be able to book meetings with these brands pre-show.”

Dita Lancier will also take a space at 100% Optical for the first time this year to showcase its latest collection. Pera explained that the brand is “one of the most requested exhibitors by delegates each year.”

Other new exhibitors include Mykita, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear, Clayton Franklin Spectacles, Italart Occhiali, Wright & Bailey London, and Cerruti 1881.

The Love Eyewear Awards will return for 2025, with a celebration on the 100% Catwalk on the first day of the show.

A new category has been introduced to the awards this year for ‘Best Use of Social Media’ by a practice or optical retailer. A former winner of the ‘Eyewear Retailer of the Year’ award, Nicos Antoniades from The Optical Gallery, has also joined the judging panel this year.

Pera encouraged delegates to follow 100% Optical on social media for giveaways and competitions in the run-up to the show.

Recognising Ramadan

The religious festival, Ramadan, is expected to coincide with 100% Optical, beginning from 28 February.

Event organisers have highlighted that prayer rooms are available at ExCeL London. 

The registration form for 100% Optical has been updated to allow visitors to add accessibility requests, as well as any requests for Ramadan.

Delegates who will be observing Ramadan are also encouraged to contact 100% Optical organisers directly via [email protected] with requests.

Delegates who require a voucher for Iftar will need to note this down in the registration process or email event organisers. Those who have requested a food voucher for Iftar can collect it at the organiser’s office during the show, and delegates should factor this collection time into their plans for the day.

“We can only accommodate those who contact us before to let us know that they will be observing Ramadan with special requests,” Pera said.

Education springboard

Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education and OT clinical editor, commented: “With spring approaching and the fresh impetus of a new CPD cycle, 100% Optical 2025 marks an ideal opportunity to start ticking off those important boxes, such as your peer review requirement and meeting core domains.”

With more than 100 education sessions included in the programme for 2025, there will be subjects to suit a variety of professional interests. 

Beasley encouraged delegates to explore the whole education programme, available online.

He commented: “Why not look through the topics and themes covered in the education programme and use this as a springboard to inform the creation of your personal development plan for the new CPD cycle?”

“You could consider booking onto sessions covering topics that you notice you might want to consolidate your knowledge on, or new areas you are unfamiliar with,” he suggested.

Due to popular demand, additional capacity will be released across the education programme on 11 February, providing delegates with a further opportunity to book onto sessions of interest ahead of the show.

Beasley shared: “Space is also reserved in the programme for walk-ins, so delegates without bookings will still have the opportunity to join sessions on a first-come, first-served basis over the three days of the show.”

Event organisers encouraged delegates to arrive at their chosen seminars five to 10 minutes early for walk-in spaces.