(PRESS RELEASE) ORLANDO, FL – Over 915 industry professionals from 31 countries in North and South America gathered this week at the J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando for the 23rd annual Transitions Academy. During the two-day, invitation-only event – themed “Light Years Ahead” – attendees took part in professional development and product technology workshops, heard from experts and educators on marketing and industry trends, and learned from their peers and partners.
During Monday morning’s opening session, attendees were welcomed with an exciting performance and opening remarks from Jose Alves, general manager, Americas. To set the stage for how the Transitions brand is staying “Light Years Ahead,” Chrystel Barranger, president Essilor Photochromics and Transitions Optical introduces how the brand is innovating to bring light management solutions to even more wearers in 2019.
The morning continued with a session on light presented by Mark Rea, Ph.D., professor of architecture and cognitive sciences at The Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where attendees learned the science behind light sensitivity.
Catherine Rauscher, senior global director of business innovation, Transitions Optical and Jacqueline Henderson, vice president of marketing, Johnson & Johnson Vision, North America, then took the main stage to share the latest news on ACUVUE OASYS with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology. Next, John Schubach, director of lenscaster sales, highlighted Transitions Optical’s current partner collaborations.
Luc Nouvelot, director of global R&D and Elise Bioche, vice president of global marketing at Transitions Optical, demonstrated more technology with Transitions Signature GEN 8. Barranger then returned to the Academy stage to share why Transitions lenses are ideal for all patients.
After Monday’s general sessions, the Transitions Light Intelligent Technology Experience provided Academy attendees with a deeper understanding of the latest innovations and allowed them to experience the Transitions Light Intelligent Technology first-hand through eight different stations.
Later, attendees reconvened for a presentation from Jeremy Gutsche on how to pinpoint opportunities, accelerate modernization and enable a culture of change followed by four innovation workshops.
The energy of Transitions Academy continued to build as Tuesday commences with an overview of Transitions Optical’s 2019 marketing and consumer outreach plans led by Patience Cook, director, North America marketing; Rose Harris, senior associate director, channel marketing; and Vanessa Johns, director, Latin America marketing.
Tuesday continued with curriculum focused on how eyecare professionals can keep themselves and their businesses Light Years Ahead. Attendees learned how to set goals and map out a plan to get there during Martin Lespérance’s presentation.
Then, during See the Light: Creating the Why and the How, doctors, opticians and lens sales reps, learned the best practices on how to integrate Transitions lenses into the patient journey, and how they can be prescribed to all patients.
The afternoon continued with industry best practices on how to grow and connect with customers online and through social media with presentations by John Rampton and Samantha Toth. Mel Robbins then joined the Academy stage to give the keynote presentation—The Five Second Rule—all about how ECPs can increase productivity, collaboration and engagement.
After the final curriculum session, attendees heard closing thoughts from Alves. Then, Drew Smith, director, North America channels, led the 2018 Transitions Innovation Awards program.