The UK Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) welcomes the new owners of 100% Optical and looks forward to working with the new exhibition organisation CloserStill following the sale of the UK’s largest optical event by Media 10 in October 2024.
100% Optical attracts over 10,000 visitors and 250 exhibitors every year. Launched in 2014, the event is organised in collaboration with the Association of Optometrists (AOP) and will next take place from 1 to 3 March 2025. The OSA is a partner of the trade fair.
Roy Stoner, Chairman of OSA, expressed the opinion of the OSA Board: ‘CloserStill is an international exhibition organisation with a strong exhibition portfolio and extensive experience, particularly in the healthcare sector, especially in the dental, pharmaceutical and veterinary markets. Their experience with dental trade fairs will certainly bring new initiatives and ideas for 100% Optical. We are also delighted that some of the long-standing employees of 100% Optical are moving to the new company, bringing with them their decades of experience and market knowledge.’
The final plans for 100% Optical 2025 and the burgeoning 100% Ophthalmology are already well advanced. The exhibition schedule, lectures and seminars are already fully booked. The OSA expects the show to be the most important event in the calendar for UK optometrists for the profession and for OSA members ‘who supply the equipment and technology for the world’s most advanced eye care’.
100% Optical in the CloserStill portfolio
The acquisition of 100% Optical strengthens CloserStill’s healthcare portfolio, alongside other flagship events such as The London Vet Show, The Dentistry Show and The Pharmacy Show, as well as the healthcare-focused hosted buyer events of OpenRoom and PNE (both part of the CloserStill Group).
Lee Newton, CEO of Media 10, commented on the acquisition in October 2024: ‘We never intended to sell any of our events, but sometimes there are offers that we as a company can’t refuse. Our philosophy has always been to organise the best events, make them world-class events, and if they are valuable in the market, we will listen to the offers. 100% Optical is a fantastic event, a world-leading B2B exhibition – it makes us all proud. We are delighted that a company with the pedigree of CloserStill are the new owners.’
Matthew Butler, Group Managing Director at CloserStill Media, was delighted with the acquisition: ‘We are delighted to welcome 100% Optical to the CloserStill healthcare portfolio. The team at Media 10 have done an outstanding job over the last ten years building a unique and highly respected event for professionals and exhibitors. We look forward to continuing the show’s legacy by working with the AOP and other key partners to preserve the show’s heritage while exploring new opportunities for growth and diversification.’
