Perspectives
Not just the boss...

As an editor, I attend a dozen trade shows each year. That means I get to talk to a lot of you and observe who's there and who isn't.

Why is one show a success while another is not? There are lots of reasons, but one of the contributing factors is who you, the boss, choose to send to the event.

At shows where attendance has really declined, one common pattern is that managers and owners may attend, but they've stopped sending staff. And, they're spending more time with family and friends and less time in the exhibit hall.

Networking with peers, spending family time, and maintaining involvement in an organization are all good reasons to attend a show. But if you don't visit the exhibits or bring staff along, you are injuring both your own business and the future of the association you're there to support.

So, next time you plan a trip to a trade show, think about bringing a key staff member along. The education they receive--in both classrooms and in the exhibit hall--will be invaluable. Your business will benefit from it. And so will the association.

Sincerely,

Stephanie K. De Long
Editor-in-Chief

P.S. This issue includes some terrific special sections. Our semi-annual Framebuyer starts on p. 101 and is packed with business-building information. To learn about some of the product introductions at this month's International Vision Expo East, turn to Glimpses on p. 98. And, be sure to read the AR Council's An Eyecare Professional's Guide to AR, which appears after p. 64.

Lastly, we're pleased to announce that Seiko Optical is sponsoring a series of four continuing education programs for opticians that will appear in EB throughout this year. The first course, Advances in Progressive Lens Designs, starts on page 40A.