June 4, 2014, Tokyo -( ASIA TODAY ) - Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd. held a press conference in Tokyo, Japan on May 28, 2014 announcing new projects and plans for service expansion at 27th International Optical Fair Tokyo (IOFT 2014) http://www.ioft.jp/en/
Despite the trying time of the optical industry, as though to reflect the reviving Japanese economy and business generating effects of the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the show is taking a positive turn. "In comparison to last year, the rate at which the exhibit space has been selling has increased by 12%" addressed Kenji Okabe, IOFT Executive Show Director, Reed Exhibitions Japan at the opening of the conference.
Evidently there are brands joining the show for the first time from both Japan and overseas. For instance, SAFILO, SAMA EYEWEAR and NEXUS will be exhibiting and more are yet to confirm. Many exhibitors are also expanding their booth size such as CHARMAN, RODENSTOCK, INOCOLAB, FUJITA OPTICAL, NAGOYA SPECTACLE and overseas brands such as HOET, TRACTION, RUDY PROJECT have already confirmed their participation already.
Kenji Okabe added, “At this rate we expect this year’s overall exhibit space to increase by 10-20%. In order to fulfill the needs of as many participating exhibitors and visitor’s as possible, we have planned a number of new projects and expansion of ongoing services to enhance business on-site”
Business-enhancing projects and service expansions
1. New special exhibit area “Sunglasses Collection 2014-2015”
Sunglasses are considered to be an essential fashion item both by professional buyers and consumers in Japan.
IOFT hopes to expand this trend by launching a special exhibit area this year where 120 brands will be showcasing their latest frames.
There will also be a special gallery where Sunglasses Collection 2014-2015 exhibitors will be able to showcase up to 3 frames each throughout the show period.
IOFT aims to attract core buyers as well as contributing to the further growth of the sunglasses trend in Japan to the consumer level through show promotion and partnering media/press. For further information about the special exhibit area: http://www.ioft.jp/en/About/sunglasses/ or contact Show Management ioft-eng@reedexpo.co.jp (Attention: Akira KONO (Mr.))
2. Theme Country project starts this year
A new "Theme Country" project will be launched at IOFT 2014.
The project will feature a selected country through official show documents, materials and additional promotion via partnering press/media of IOFT 2014 aiming to enhance on-site business by attracting more retailers, boutique owners and other buyers to the show that are looking to source for frames from the featured country. The theme country to mark the start of this newly launched project will be France and IOFT hopes this project will accelerate the business expansion of eyewear from the overseas into the Japanese market as well as further penetration into the consumer level through PR and media promotion.
This year France has been selected as the Theme Country but IOFT intends to continue the project for years to come aiming to support the business between Japanese/Asian buyers and designers from overseas for instance Italy, Germany, Denmark, UK, USA…etc.
For full details about the Theme Country project: www.ioft.jp/en/doc/theme_country/, http://www.ioft.jp/en/doc/news14_2/ or contact Show Management: ioft-eng@reedexpo.co.jp (Attention: Akira KONO (Mr.))
3. "Lens Technology Open Seminar" to be launched
There have been many requests received by IOFT participants in the past for new opportunities to be educated and be up-to-date with the latest lens technology during the show. To fulfill the needs of such show participants and to aid the sharing of latest technologies to the industry, Show Management will be opening a “Lens Technology Open Seminar” from this year’s show with the supervision of the Japanese Academy of Optometry and Ophthalmic Science.
10 sessions covering various topics (high curve lenses, Progressive Additional Lenses, how to choose order-made lenses) and conducted by major firms such as KODAK LENS, HOYA, SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS, TOKAI OPTICAL, Japanese Academy of Optometry and Ophthalmic Science etc. In parallel to the sessions, there will be a special gallery - “Lens Manufacturer’s Product Catalogue Gallery” within the exhibition halls and features in partnering press/media and through IOFT’s SNS content.
4. Expansion of the "Business Match-Making Service"
For a successful business, IOFT considers communication and smooth scheduling is essential and will be expanding the "Business Match-Making Service". The service supports and facilitate face-to-face business between IOFT exhibitors and buyers, retailers importers/exporters including; the top 100 Japanese retailers, Japanese boutique owners, powerful buyers from Asia. Extensive support is provided such as planning and arranging appointments, a guide to accompany the buyers to the exhibitor booths, language support etc. Last year, IOFT had supported 255 successful on-site business appointments but this year aims to expand the on-site business by increasing the appointment number to 500.
5. Special after-hours service
After the official show hours are over, IOFT will transform the exhibition halls into a social venue. From 18:00 to 20:00 on the first and second evening. Exhibitors will be able to take advantage of the service by inviting special customers and any buyers who are at the exhibition halls looking to mingle and get to know each other’s business a bit better in a friendlier atmosphere.
Every year, IOFT provides an opportunity for buyers and brands to acquaint and make new connections at the IOFT Reception Party but by using their own booth space, exhibitors will be able to efficiently communicate with frames and props in close proximity when required by the buyers.
6. Synergistic effect of concurrently held Fashion World Tokyo Autumn 2014
Reed Exhibitions Japan will be holding an international fashion trade show "Fashion World Tokyo Autumn 2014" http://www.fashion-tokyo.jp/en/ at the neighbouring halls aiming to create a synergistic effect for both shows.
As Fashion World Tokyo Autumn will be welcoming numerous apparel buyers, IOFT exhibitors may be able to make connections with such professionals widening the chances for new and unexpected customers and vice versa.
Success anticipated for IOFT 2014
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Reed Exhibitions Japan promises to keep providing a firm business platform for the Japanese and Asian market and with the positive conditions; success is greatly anticipated.
For exhibiting enquiries: ioft-eng@reedexpo.co.jp, visiting inquiries visitor-eng.ioft@reedexpo.co.jp .
Registration for free invitation tickets are available online at http://www.ioft.jp/en/inv/.
For further information, visit the official show website http://www.ioft.jp/en/
Contact:
IOFT Show Management/Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd.
Attn: Ena MASUI (Ms.)
Tel: +81-3-3349-8519
Fax: +81-3-3349-8530
Email: ioft_pr@reedexpo.co.jp
