
Independents Day (iDay) and the National Eyecare Group (NEG) Conference have announced a change to their combined event’s format for this autumn. Proven Track Record’s (PTR) Nick Atkins and NEG’s Phil Mullins have announced that for 2018 the combined event will take a roadshow format covering the north, midlands and south of England. The 3 events will take place during an 8 day period towards the end of October with the following schedule:
Monday 22nd October: Wembley, London
Monday 29th October, Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Tuesday 30th October: Bolton, Manchester
The format will also change, being held in the afternoon and evening in order to make attendance easier with the potential to take less time out of their practice as well as being more local. The event at the Ricoh Arena will take place on the date previously publicised for Independents Day.
Commenting on the announcement, PTR Director Nick Atkins said, “We are constantly looking to innovate and after 12 successful years using a traditional conference format, it is with great enthusiasm we embark on this new format for this year’s combined events. I believe that by taking the conference on tour we can continue attract our loyal delegates and hopefully attract other indies, local to the venue, who have previously struggled to take the time out to attend a 2-day event.”
NEG Director of Business Development, Phil Mullins added, “Following a thorough review of the conference landscape and what’s on offer for independents, we’ve decided that we will run 3 smaller events around the country in order to make the meeting more accessible.” Mullins continued, “The overall remit of the event remains unchanged. Both the PTR and NEG team aim to offer great speakers offering delegates food for thought as well as real tools and action points that will make a real and immediate impact on their business. At the same time they can enjoy the company of likeminded independent professionals without taking so much time away from the coal face or having so far to travel.”