SPONSORED CONTENT ITA heads west this October Bringing style, quality, and innovation to practices around the world, Italianmade eyewear is a critical component of the optical universe. And the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in collaboration with ANFAO, the National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers (Italy’s eyewear manufacturers association), plays a major role in keeping these brands top of mind – and easily accessible – to practices in the United States. In October, ECPs will have the opportunity to get to know many of Italy’s top independent eyewear brands in two U.S. cities. When it comes to eyewear, here are five things everyone should know about ITA. ITA CARES ABOUT INDEPENDENT PRACTICES. 1 Last year, ITA held networking events in New York and Boston. At these events, ECPs had the opportunity to get up close and personal with Italian eyewear brands. “I attended the last event put on by the Italian Trade Agency and it was an amazing experience,” says Pierce Voorthuis of Georgetown Opticians. This October, the organization gives ECPs in Seattle and Chicago that same opportunity. “Having ITA bring a show to Seattle is a match made in ‘my’ heaven.” – Nate Ogura, Owner, Eyes on Fremont Seattle, WA ITA BRINGS A PIECE OF ITALY TO YOU. 2 In many cases, ECPs don’t have the flexibility or time to travel to explore new brands for their practices. With that in mind, the upcoming stateside events, aka “Extraordinary Italian Eyewear,” will feature Italian eyewear and Italian cuisine. These events are an ideal way for U.S.-based ECPs to get to know Italian brands and introduce them to their businesses – and ultimately, their customers. ITA CELEBRATES “BELLA FIGURA.” 3 Through its networking events, ITA invites ECPs to fully experience Bella Figura, which is, simply put, the art of looking good. This includes understanding these brands’ history and heritage, the craftsmanship that goes into their creation, their actual design, the overall quality of the eyewear, and of course, the materials used. ITA HEADS TO SEATTLE ON OCTOBER 10, 2023. 4 Nate Ogura, owner of Eyes on Fremont, in Seattle, is looking forward to ITA’s arrival in the coffee capital of the world. “Having ITA bring a show to Seattle is a match made in ‘my’ heaven,” he says. “I love my city, and I love independent craft eyewear. Intertwining the two has, without a doubt, ignited an exciting level of anticipation both personally and professionally!” “A vital part of our business strategy is introducing our consumers to fresh and exciting product that they haven’t seen before.” – Pierce Voorthuis, Georgetown Opticians, Washington, DC ITA ARRIVES IN CHICAGO ON OCTOBER 12, 2023. 5 ECPs in the Windy City will also benefit from this unique chance to “meet” so many Italian eyewear brands. Voorthuis, whose practice is based in Washington, DC, explains why. “A vital part of our business strategy is introducing our consumers to fresh and exciting product that they haven’t seen before,” he says. “I found both the opportunity to learn about up-and-coming brands and the exposure to innovative vendors at their events to be a great experience. I look forward to attending this event in the U.S.!” Find out more at: invisionmag.com/italianeyewear ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY E: newyork@ice.it | W: ice.it
