Vision Business Forum, act two in Rome, June
Vision Business Forum, act two. The second edition of the event, which began with two days last September, will again be held at the Cavalieri Hilton Conference Center in Rome, June 18 through 20. With the organization machinery in full swing, we wanted to find out more about it and then we talked to Andrea Garagnani, the President of Assogruppi Ottica which promotes the event in collaboration with Anfao and Mido and with the participation of Federottica and FabianoGroup.
-Vision Business Forum will be opening in less than two months’ time. What are the aims of this event?
Vision Business Forum began last year with the intention of offering the entire sector a privileged and primarily business-oriented chance to meet, which was complementary to Mido - the major exhibition event. It was precisely the solidarity with Anfao and Mido that made the event and its current development possible. Thanks to new partnerships with important associations and scientific companies, the second edition of Vision Business Forum is common ground where all our sector’s players can meet and discuss the most important subjects from a true business point of view.
-Can you give us details about the way in which this event differs from a traditional exhibition?
First and foremost, its size. We’re talking about an event that includes an exhibition area, but, unlike a large exhibition, it is selective. Indeed, our aim is not to offer a showcase but a marketplace, a location for quality meetings.
Even more importantly, its spirit is different: Vision Business Forum organizes discussions for all the sector’s players so that they can work together on segment development.
-We have noticed that, compared to last year, there is strong synergy between the associations at this edition of the event. It has obviously opened up to the European panorama, but we can’t help noting that an association on the Italian scene is missing: ANDOM. Was this a strategic choice? Do you think it is still too soon to open up to large-scale distribution?
Assogruppi Ottica also works with Andom on specific projects and the large-scale distribution association is one of the main players at the round table because it represents an important slice of our sector. Personally, I am convinced that the development of the association of which I am president should include discussions with everyone and, therefore, also with chains. It is to be hoped that with time this dialogue will become a more active collaboration.
-How to do you think opticians will respond to this second edition of the appointment in Rome?
I prefer not to make predictions but to work on the event’s successful outcome. However, I must underscore that participation in Vision Business Form is free for all opticians and eyecare professionals. I sincerely hope that they will not miss this important opportunity to talk as protagonists with the entire reference world, stimulate mutual dialogue and increase their store of experience thanks to the meetings.
