Eyesway interviews the president of Assogruppi ahead of the Vision Business Forum

With less than two months to go before the start of the “two days in Rome” on September 6 and 7 at the Cavalieri Hilton’s conference center in Rome, we asked Andrea Garagnani, the President of Assogruppi Ottica and promoter of the event held in collaboration with Anfao and Mido, about the expectations from this first edition of the event.

The Vision Business Forum is due to begin in less than two months and curiosity is growing. Can you tell us about the event and its aims?
It is a primarily business-oriented exhibition-conference, a privileged location where all the players in our sector can meet and talk. Several special speakers will also tackle various important subjects, from the examination of the economic situation to progressive lenses, in order to find a key that will enable everyone to open the door to the opportunities that are masked by the current situation.

We’re now at the threshold of the appointment in Rome and we read in your latest communication that about 60 companies have confirmed their participation to date. Can you tell us what type of companies these are?
And is this the final number, or do you expect more participants in the days to come?
We are really pleased about the way the industry is responding to our invitation, which is also thanks to the commitment by Anfao, our partner in this undertaking. There will be over 60 companies in the exhibition area.
Frames and sunglasses, the majority of which do not yet have direct, structured and organized distribution in Italy. Along with them, the major multinational and other producers of ophthalmic lenses that are particularly interested in the evolution and development of the Italian market. Contactology has also responded, together with companies working on hypovision. There will also be eyewear cases, accessories, instruments, furnishings and software.
So all the product categories will be represented.
Apropos of this, it is important to remember that there is no entry fee to the exhibition area, so it is open to all colleagues who do not have time to take part in the two working days.

What do you think the companies expect from the Vision Business Forum?
I think that companies are interested in restoring a dialogue with distribution, opticians and optometrists and that they realize the Vision Business Forum could be one of the best places for meeting their objective.

How do you think opticians will respond to this appointment?
I sincerely believe that opticians will welcome the diversity of the Vision Business Forum formula, which is primarily business-oriented and is organized differently from a simple lesson or conference. Our objective is to create the best conditions for meeting all the protagonists in the optical scenario, with ample space for debates and exhibitions, the unquestionable protagonists of the two-day appointment.

We see that a packed Round Table is programmed for Sunday, September 6. What do you expect from this meeting?
I believe that Sunday’s round table sums up the spirit of the Vision Business Forum because its intention is to be a meeting of all parties on equal terms. A meeting that I believe will inspire an increasingly profitable and constructive dialogue between companies, distribution and opticians that will never fossilize into a sterile game between the parties. It’s in everybody’s interests.