01/15/2026

President's Message

One of the highlights of being in the optical industry is being able to attend trade shows. I have been blessed to be able to attend the Optical Fairs in Hong Kong, Italy, Vegas, New York, Florida, and other places that are often quite a distance from Ohio.

I think what I enjoy most is the opportunity to see products from frame, lens, and equipment manufacturers, all under one roof, along with the ability to capitalize on show specials and deals.

The only problem with trade shows is that, as I mentioned, they are usually far away, require expensive flights, time off of work, high-cost lodging, and other expenses. If someone has the chance to go, there is a high probability that the whole office is not able to attend, due to the time and expense involved.

The Midwest Spec-Fest was established to address these very issues. Not only will there be more than 60 frame collections represented, but there will be labs, equipment manufacturers, tele-med demos, and other vendors. A raffle will be held for a trip for two to attend a week in Italy during the world famous MIDO Optical Fair in Milan, Italy! Not in the mood to travel abroad? Take a chance for a trip for 2 to Las Vegas to attend the Vision Expo West, when it returns to Las Vegas in 2027. There will also be a fashion show, free CEU hours, and a taste of Italy social hour.

The Midwest Spec-Fest trade show is absolutely free, although you do need to register so we know how much wine to have on hand! The Spec-Fest is open to anyone in the eyecare industry, including opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, and their entire staffs.

I can’t think of a better opportunity for an entire office to spend an afternoon browsing all the new products in our industry, socializing, and experiencing a trade show without having to go through TSA. 

The Midwest Spec-Fest will be held at four different locations, on four different dates: 

Cincinnati
Feb 7th: Trade show and Education  
Feb 8th: Education only 
 
Akron
Mar 7th: Trade Show and Education  
Mar 8th: Education only  
 
Toledo  
Sept 19th: Trade show and Education  
Sept 20th: Education only  
 
Columbus  
Oct 3rd: Trade show and Education  
Oct 4th: Education only

Invite the friends you work with, the friends you used to work with, and make Spec-Fest the place to meet. Who knows? You and the friend just might end up going to Vegas... or Italy!