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100% Optical
A milestone year
With 100% Optical a few months away, OT heard how plans are progressing and what COVID-19 measures visitors can expect
07 October 2021
“We are raring to go,” Nathan Garnett, Media 10 event director for 100% Optical, said of the 2022 edition of the show, set to be held from 22–24 January at ExCeL London. With registration now open and the event just a few months away, OT caught up with the team to hear how preparations are developing.
“We are well ahead as we’ve had 18 months to prepare for this show,” Garnett said. Recent developments have included the launch of a new website for 100% Optical, aiming to provide a fresh look and easy-to-use experience ahead of the first optical show in the UK in two years.
“We are delighted with the support we have had from the sector and can now boast our biggest line up of exhibitors. We were hoping that 2021 would be that milestone year but 2022 will be extra special after the wait,” Garnett said, adding that exhibitors and partners “are all so eager for an exhibition to take place after the last 18 months of hardship.”
“We are working with exhibitors on their stand activities and I know the education programme is going to be the best yet,” Garnett said, adding that the programme and event activity will be released through autumn.
Comprehensive CPD
As the official event partner and education provider to the show, the AOP has been working on a schedule of education for the event.Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education and OT clinical editor, explained: “Planning for education at the event is well underway, with a comprehensive programme of high-profile speakers set to deliver content on a broad range of key topics.
“A choice of lectures and discussion-based sessions will be available across all three days, allowing practitioners to meet their professional development requirements under the GOC’s new CPD scheme, which launches in January 2022.”
In the meantime, OT has launched its CET Survival Pack to help practitioners meet outstanding education requirements before the end of the cycle in December. The pack has nine points on offer covering all competencies for every practitioner type.
New brands, awards and debates
As restrictions on international travel appear to have eased at the time of writing, Media 10 is positive that international colleagues will be able to join the show.
“This is important as we want to make sure we have some of the independent eyewear brands and new entries to the market, as well as all the major suppliers already there,” Garnett said. “We will never stop looking for those great products and services that make optical practices stand out.”
The event team has been working on some new features, as well as plans to bring back returning features for the show, with Garnett suggesting the Future Practice with four suites of education will be “bigger and better” for 2022.
The Love Eyewear Awards is set to be hosted on the Saturday of the show, while event organisers are also working to bring in “some big hitting speakers” to debate topics on the future of the sector, increasing collaboration with the NHS, and “how we can all grow stronger coming out of the pandemic.”
Registration for 100% Optical is now open, and Garnett recommended readers and AOP members book in early.
“Once you are booked you will get first notifications on new education as and when it comes,” he shared, also advising that once registered: “Please keep an eye on emails from us for more information and access to other benefits, like networking, exhibitor promotions or awards announcements.”
Creating a COVID-secure event
Both ExCeL London and Media 10 have planned a number of measures around the show in order to keep visitors, exhibitors, and event and venue staff safe.
Anna Clover, head of event management at ExCeL London, told OT: “100% Optical – the UK’s largest optical event – is one of numerous exhibitions and events ExCeL London is delighted to be hosting in 2022. Of course, the health and wellbeing of every single person who comes through our doors remains our number one priority, and our whole team has been working incredibly hard to ensure all our visitors feel reassured.”
Clover confirmed the venue has been working in close collaboration with the event industry, as well as following the latest government guidance, in order to develop necessary safety measures, adding: “We all have a role to play in keeping events safe.”
“That’s why everyone who comes into ExCeL London will be asked to provide proof of a double vaccination (NHS COVID Pass), COVID-19 antibodies, or a negative lateral flow test,” she shared.
Mask-wearing will be recommended inside the venue, and hand sanitiser stations will be available throughout the event.
Discussing the measures within the show, Garnett confirmed: “Every stand at the event will comply with guidelines that are very similar to those in optical practices, with the use of screens, sanitisers, and space for social distancing if required.
“I know we will also be offering delegates safety packs with partners like William Morris London, so there will be free masks and safety kits available. The event will be a lot safer to attend than a trip to the supermarket.”
The ExCeL cleaning team has been trained to conduct enhanced cleaning regimes using chlorine-based fluids at all key touch points. Ventilation has been increased in line with the latest Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) guidance, and the venue has also installed new Nimlok Entry Management System digital signage at the entrances of all bathrooms to help with the flow of people.
Clover shared: “These measures are in addition to those undertaken by 100% Optical and its exhibitors to help ensure the focus of the event is on what matters the most: the optical community reconnecting, networking, and learning about the latest health products and trends.”
More information about 100% Optical, including details on how to register, can be found on the event page, while more information on measures implemented by ExCeL London can be found on the venue website.
In brief: COVID-19 measures
- Proof of double vaccination – available through the free NHS COVID Pass app – COVID-19 antibodies, or a negative lateral flow test, will be required to access the event
- It is recommended visitors wear a face covering inside the venue and observe social distancing. Hand sanitiser stations will also be located throughout the venue
- Exhibitor stands will comply with guidelines, such as screens, sanitisers and social distancing if required. Delegate safety packs will also be available through event partners
- The ExCeL team has been trained in enhanced cleaning procedures. This includes regularly wiping touch points with chlorine-based cleaning fluid
- Ventilation has been increased in line with CIBSE guidance and digital signage has been installed at the entrances to the venue bathrooms to help with the flow of people.
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