E ULUSLARARASI FUARCILIK

TOWARDS THE EXHIBITION
OPTİK 2007

NEZİH ÇAĞIN

1-Since when have you been organizing the Optic Exhibition? What are the dates of this year's organization?

Optic Exhibition was organized for the first time in 1986 at CNR Expo Centre. "OPTIC 2007, 21st International All Optical and Opthalmolgic Products Exhibition", the only optical products exhibition in Turkey, which will be organized by us for the 21st time, will be held at CNR Expo Centre between March 8th and 11th.

2-What are the main differences and similarities between the other effective optical exhibitions and the OPTIC 2007 Exhibition that you are organizing here in Turkey?

When you compare the well-known, large optical products exhibitions and Optic 2007, you would certainly find some similarities, as well as differences. These are basically, the size of the venue, the number of participants, visitors etc.

As the Turkish office of ITE Group Plc. which is the second largest trade exhibition organizer, our aim is, in its 20th year, to keep the standarts of this event, close to that of the world-class similar exhibitions and even beat such events in terms of quality, as this is the only Optical products exhibition of Turkey.

OPTIC 2007, which will be hosting over 200 local and foreign participants and over 10,000 visitors from Turkey, and different regions of the world and Europe, proves its consistency, with its relatively large size and its 20 years of heritage.
Because some fairs are organized in cities (such as Paris and Milano) which are the heart of the fashion world, they are particularly important for the optical products sector. ?stanbul also, is rapidly turning into a fashion, art and economic hub. In addition to that, Istanbul's geopolitical importance, doubles the importance of various events being organized in the region. In this regard, Optic 2006 is one step ahead of other international organizations.

3-How many pavillions will there be at the exhibition and how large will the venue be? How many firms will participate in this year's exhibition?

The exhibition will be held at Istanbul CNR Expo Centre on a 10,000m2 venue and over 200 firms are expected to participate.

4-What would you advise to the participants and the guests of the exhibition?

First of all, I would like to mention that the exhibition sector, is growing in parallel to both ?stanbul's and our country's development. But problems arise in the sector, from time to time. Each participant should take into account these difficulties. In addition to that, participant firms should see the exhibition as the ideal place to market their products or services and they should arrange marketing activities.

5-What are the changes that occured since the first optic exhibition you organized?

As we mentioned before, Optic 2007 will be organized for the 21st time this year. As the organizer company, we are proud to be organizing this great event for the last 4 years. The exhibition is growing bigger every year and the numbr of participant firms and visitors is increasing. This is a positive and solid change. We solved the stand height problem that we faced last year, by setting a standard stand height this year. This standard is also used for other worldwide exhibitions as well. In addition to that, various shows and animation activities will add a different flavor to the exhibition.

6-What is your criteria in determining the exhibition dates?

In general, exhibition dates are determined by taking into consideration, the overall situation of the sector and the level of demand. One of the determining factors here is, finding the venues with the required sizes during those particular dates.

Usually, March is the most busy shopping period for most of the importer and exporter optic companies. In general, optic exhibitions are oranized in March, as March is the month when new glass and contact lens trends and various other related porducts are launched.

7-Could you please briefly outline the benefits of the exhibitions you organize, to our economy?

Optics sector has been developing rapidly in recent years in our country. Every year, all over the world, in line with this ever developing sector, there are on average 60 exhibitions being held. This is almost equal to one optic exhibition per week. As a result of these optic exhibitions, new trends for the optic fashion is set and various brands find a chance to display their latest trends. In addition to that, manufacturers and distributor-participant firms, make trade contacts as a result of this. In this regard, as a meeting point that guides the sector as a whole, OPTIC 2007, 21st International All Optical and Opthalmolgic Products Exhibition is very important for the sector.