• One of Asia's leading optical fairs
  
• Over 8,100 visitors from 87 countries and regions
  
• Showcased 527 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions
  
• Debut of the Retail & Shop Design, Equipment & Technology Section as well as the Visionaries of Style

Celebrating a decade of success

Hong Kong Optical Fair 2004 was held on November 3 - 5, 2004 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. The 12th edition of the Hong Kong Optical Fair opened in high spirits as Mr. Michael Ng, President of the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), spoke positively of Hong Kong's rising exports of optical products which have seen an 18% increase in value to August 2004. The industry, he said, was poised to reach greater heights as Hong Kong manufacturers continue to make their mark as preferred OEM (original equipment manufacturing) and ODM (original design manufacturing) suppliers to top brands.

Vice-presidents of HKOMA, Mr. Tony Chow and Mr. Hui Leung-Wah, joined Mr. Ng in presenting awards to the winners of the 6th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition.

Eye-widening progress

The Hong Kong Optical Fair reached an all-time high this year. The show's twelfth edition was well attended by 8,108 buyers from 87 countries and regions worldwide, up 6.4% from last year. Over 67% (5,450) of the buyers were overseas visitors, increasing by 9.6% from 2003. Overseas countries with top buyer attendance included: the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Japan, USA, Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, India and Germany.

Exhibitor participation was equally encouraging, whereby the fair attracted a total of 527 exhibitors from 19 different countries and regions, registering a 23.4% growth from 2003. Among them, over 63% (335) came from countries outside Hong Kong. Ten International Group Pavilions were represented, including: Chinese mainland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, USA & Taiwan.

(Please refer to the Appendix for detailed breakdown and statistics)

Fair Highlights

Zone Expansion

Following the successful launch of an Optometric Instrument, Equipment and Machinery Zone in 2003, the fair has expanded to include new sections this year with 'Retail & Shop Design, Equipment & Technology' presenting 21 companies and 'Visionaries of Style' displaying 10 premium brands.

Retail & Shop Design, Equipment & Technology

The new Retail & Shop Design, Equipment & Technology section covered exhibits ranging from furniture and fixtures, through Illuminations to point-of-sales equipment and technology.

Visionaries of Style

Bringing forward the concept of eyewear as a fashion accessory, the Visionaries of Style was dedicated to the latest styles from top designers and leading brands from Hong Kong, Denmark, France, Japan and the USA.

2nd Hong Kong Optometric Conference

This year's Optometric Conference offered a full-day programme with an international panel of expert speakers from UK, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. With around 580 people in the audience this year, attendance surpassed that of the inaugural event last year. The topics were highly relevant, covering a wide range of issues including industry regulations, public healthcare systems and new optometric techniques.

The 6th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition

To encourage and give greater exposure to both established and emerging designers, HKOMA and HKTDC have once again jointly organized the Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition, with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education as sponsors. This year's theme was 'Vision Unlimited', attracting 151 entries in the Corporate, Open and Student groups.

Gala Evening

At the close of business on the opening day of the fair, the industry gathered to celebrate at the fair's Gala Evening, co-organized by HKTDC and HKOMA.

Participants were greeted by an evening of entertainment, including dragon dancing, a kung fu demonstration, classical ballet and much more. Interspersed with the performances were the lucky draws and an award presentation to the winners of the Booth Design Competition.

Booth Design Competition

The entries of this year's booth design competition were judged on four criteria, equally weighted: Color Scheme; Functionality & Utilization of Space; Creativity; Structure/Material. The judging panel awarded this year's Champion Award to Wah Ming Optical Mfy Ltd.

Era of Retail Technology & Marketing' seminar

With the globalization of optical business, many retail chains are fast expanding their outlets to countries and regions outside their domestic markets. In view of this growing trend, HKTDC held the 'New Era of Retail Technology & Marketing' seminar, bringing together industry experts from various sectors to provide a comprehensive overview. The seminar focused on the latest development on retail technology as well as strategies on shop design that provided the audience insights on how to enhance shop fitting and upgrade the image of their retail stores.

Business Matching Meetings Return

With some fashion brands extending their product range to include optical products, this was the ideal way for fashion labels to meet reputable suppliers.

Optimum Fun Cocktail

Networking and business opportunities were underway during the Optimum Fun Cocktail reception. During the event, models wore the winning designs of the Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition and selected products from the fair exhibitors.

Eyeing on next year

Building on this year's rave reviews and thriving business, Hong Kong Optical Fair will repeat its success on November 2 - 4, 2005 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Be sure not to miss out!