(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — The Italian Trade Commission in collaboration with ANFAO, Italy’s eyewear manufacturers association, is organizing two networking events to bring independent Italian eyewear brands to ECPs here in the United States. Following up on events held in New York and Boston in June 2022, the Italians are heading west as Seattle and Chicago will play host for 2023. These two cities were chosen because of the high representation of independently owned optical shops that embrace independent eyewear brands, as well as the vibrance of both cities that lends to the energy and experience that will be present at the events. Eyewear industry veteran, Tarrence Lackran, “TheOpticalPoet,” founder of the Eyecons Agency, has been brought on board to help make these events even more memorable.
“Extraordinary Italian Eyewear” will feature 20 Independent Italian brands, several new to the U.S. market. The Seattle event will be on Tuesday, October 10, and the Chicago event will be Thursday, October 12. “We are very excited to introduce our Italian brands to independent ECPs away from big tradeshows like Vision Expo through a less formal afternoon/evening format, featuring Italian eyewear, food, and beverages to enjoy a flair of Italian lifestyle. We have titled these trunk shows “Extraordinary Italian Eyewear” and feel these events will help meet the needs of U.S. eyecare professionals who often cannot easily leave their practices during the day.” Says Mr. Antonino Laspina, trade commissioner and executive director for the U.S., “The U.S. represents Italy’s premier export market for eyewear and as a Trade Promotion Agency we are very eager to bring Italian flair to U.S. eyewear professionals.” Keep an eye out for future communications that will provide more details regarding vendors, locations, and registration information.
About the Italian Trade Agency
Since 1926, the Italian Trade Commission, with 79 offices worldwide, has been the Italian government agency entrusted with the mission of promoting trade between Italian companies and foreign markets. The Fashion department, based in New York City, works on increasing the awareness of Italian products in the U.S. by being the point of reference for trade and press and promoting fashion through educational events, informational materials, special events, and promotions. For more information on the ITA and its presence in Italy and the World, please visit: here.
About ANFAO
Associazione Nazionale Fabbricanti Articoli Ottici, the National Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers, has more than 130 member companies and brings together all the major Italian eyewear companies in the entire production chain. ANFAO is also the organizers of MIDO , the world largest Eyewear Trade show.
