Transitions Optical gathered over 80 industry professionals for a one-of-a-kind learning train the trainer event—Transitions^® The Studio—on November 8, 2022, at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario. During the invitation-only event, attendees from industry experts took a deeper dive into the Transitions^® lens portfolio of products, discussed effective professional and patient education strategies, and how to incorporate valuable business-building skills into practice.

Isabelle Tremblay, director of sales and marketing, Transitions, and Martin Lespérance, professional trainer and keynote speaker, welcomed attendees and introduced them to Transitions The Studio. Next, Transitions Change Agent Dr. Danielle Gordon kicked off the morning session with a course on fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the Canadian optical industry.

Chris King, senior global marketing manager and Roxana Dreger, marketing manager, education, concluded Tuesday morning’s session with an “Unlock Your Potential with the Transitions portfolio” workshop to share tips and tricks on how to boost confidence when speaking to consumers about Transitions products. 

The afternoon ramped up with guest speaker ‘The Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt,’ award winning leader in business, honored humanitarian, decorated athlete and best-selling author. In her presentation, Tracy shared how to overcome various obstacles with determination and motivation.

In the next session, Christine Zeggil, National Key Account Executive, Canada, and Dayle Whitecross, Transitions ambassador and Eye Style influencer led the course, “Activating Trends,” where they discussed insights into consumer behavior and ways to integrate best practices into online and in-store activations and displays.

Dr. Kiran Ramesh then shared insights into “How to Put it into Practice,” taking participants through a workshop reviewing ways to integrate professional and educational strategies to elevate career growth and success.

The final course of the afternoon was titled “Build your Transitions Plan,” where Chris King outlined how to set, maintain, and achieve attainable business and training goals.

The event concluded with a cocktail reception followed by a fashion show presented by Indigenous design house Ay Lelum, run by sisters Aunalee Boyd-Good and Sophia Seward-Good. Following the show, dinner was served with entertainment from The Supersonic Hearts Band.

“The Transitions Studio event hosted a unique community of trainers, sales representatives and eyecare professionals that are passionate about educating others on the vision, light protection and style benefits of Transitions lenses in any light,” said Arnaud Rajchenbach, marketing and sales manager, Transitions Optical in Canada. “It was inspiring to see the collaboration between the professionals in the room and the excitement we generated together.”

Click HERE for the full press release.

Launched in 2013, SILMO ISTANBUL – the second-largest business gathering of the SILMO Family – has demonstrated its relevance and leadership for professionals in Turkey and throughout Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa.

Held on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, SILMO ISTANBUL welcomed both local manufacturers and a number of international companies of the optical and eyewear industry. Optical and sunglasses frames from every market segment, glasses lenses, contact lenses, ophthalmic devices and accessories, eye measuring and diagnostic instruments, treatment devices, equipment and tools for workshops and laboratories, machines, and services, the entire sector was present.

From November 17 to 20, 700 brands enjoyed a convivial, first-rate business setting as they welcomed the 11,912 visitors in attendance (+14% compared to 2021), including 9,745 from Turkey and 2,167 from 80 other countries.

This dynamic edition demonstrates the role that Istanbul now plays on the roster of major international optical and eyewear trade shows.

Next year, SILMO ISTANBUL will celebrate its 10^th anniversary. The event promises to be all the more exceptional as it will be held throughout 25,000 m² of renovated infrastructures at the Istanbul Expo Center/Yeşilköy. Enough to accommodate a greater number of exhibitors, provide professionals with improved convenience, and offer new services.

Save the date: November 23-26, 2023 at the Istanbul Expo Center.

Click HERE for the full press release.