Conference partnership is 'vindicated'

The first combined National Eyecare Group (NEG) and Independents Day (iDay) conference for independent practitioners saw a record turnout for both events, with over 260 delegates registering to attend during the two-day event (6–7 November).

The NEG conference, entitled A digital response to a digital age, was the first on the agenda, followed by iDay, which had the theme How to be a retail champion.

The organiser of both events, Proven Track Record, celebrated the success of the new alliance at the iNight dinner that attracted 180 independent practitioners and their suppliers. TV comedian and Mock the Week regular, Gary Delaney, provided the entertainment.

Proven Track Record director, Nick Atkins, said: “Our decision to move to November and bring our two conferences together has been vindicated and resulted in us putting up the sold-out signs for both the conference and the exhibition.”

NEG’s director of business development, Phil Mullins, said: “Clearly our bold decision has been validated, with the union proving popular, not only for our members, but all independent practices. Our attendance was 20% up on last year, which is particularly pleasing.”

PTR director, David Goad, added: “We are also delighted and thankful for the support of industry. The iShow was busy both days and I’m sure that our exhibitors’ businesses will have benefitted from showing their ongoing commitment for the independent sector with their attendance.”

Mr Atkins concluded: “There is only so much time that practitioners can take out of their business and we are extremely appreciative that our colleagues responded to this joint initiative and that all our efforts were rewarded.

“As a result we are delighted to confirm that our alliance with NEG is to continue next year, with our two conferences running on 5–6 November 2017.”