ZEISS Year of Innovation leaves delegates inspired

When innovations & creativity come together, the outcome can be spectacular

2.04.2015 г.
OT ZEISS Vision Care

2nd of April 2015
As the Spring Equinox settled over London on 29th March, the UK’s ZEISS Vision Care business group held its ‘ZEISS Year of Innovation 2015’ customer engagement event under the shadow of the Palace of Westminster & Big Ben. The elegance, vibe and history of central London were perfectly balanced with the strong identity of the ZEISS brand as well as the company’s perspective for innovation and new technologies.

With over 500 attendees present, the London venue set the perfect occasion for ZEISS to engage with customers and showcase some of its latest innovations. The day ran smoothly, and from initial reactions and feedback, it is clear that the day reinforced the choice of existing customers partnering with ZEISS and the confidence of potential customers to closely work with the company in the future.

ZEISS brings people together
The event was a celebratory occasion, as both existing and new ZEISS customers from across the UK came together to hear about the company’s pipeline of product innovations and dispensing technologies launchin in 2015.

International guests, including delegates from the Mellins I Style optical group in South Africa, a contingent of CZV Norway independent opticians, along with ZEISS colleagues from across Europe. Sven Hermann, CFO Carl Zeiss Vision International, was one of the key note speakers at the Welcome Plenary, which addressed a central premise of innovation and technology as the theme for the day.

Hermann was supported by famed motivational speaker Ben Hammersley, who as a futurologist, gave an insightful speech about how technology and innovation can be used as a catalyst for success. Celebrated television news anchor woman, Emma Crosby was the host MC during the day.

Interacting with new opportunities
Central to the event, were customer workshops which presented key ZEISS products and technologies. Delegates rotated through the workshops to hear about the new ZEISS product portfolio featuring several new design characteristics. The new ZEISS progressive lenses App, designed to support practice staff in the optimal selection and dispensing of the new ZEISS progressives, was also demonstrated, while the upcoming launch of ZEISS DriveSafe Lenses brought great excitement.

The recent addition of ZEISS i.Terminal Mobile, a mobile centration and measuring device made a highly welcome addition to the company’s dispensing tools and instruments armoury according to the many delegates who enthused about its performance. The live demonstrations proved the simplicity and accuracy of the device stated during the interactive presentations. ZEISS Medical Technology business group were also present within the workshops supporting a ‘diagnostic excellence’ focus with an interactive demonstration of the ZEISS Cirrus Photo OCT.

During the day, delegates were also able to visit an exhibition zone, where ZEISS dispensing and diagnostic instruments were on display and available for hands-on demonstrations. The ZEISS Mobile Museum was specially installed at the event to enable delegates to gain an insight into the world of ZEISS achievements.

Pleasantly surprised
After the day conference, a champagne drinks reception brought the delegates together again before a Gala Dinner and the ‘ZEISS Year of Innovation’ evening party began.

The evening’s entertainment reinforced the ZEISS innovation theme once more, as guests were treated to a visually inspiring sound, light and dance performance by the Fantastic V. Singer, songwriter and performer Dacia Bridges performed with a live DJ set and kept everybody entertained into the early hours.

A spectacular 4m high illuminated puppet created an inspiring atmosphere and pleasantly surprised delegates with his moves. The event ended with the puppet walking across Westminster Bridge at midnight to take in the sights of Big Ben and the London Eye - creating a unique moment for unsuspecting passers-by.

All about the day
The ZEISS Year of Innovation 2015 event was an opportunity for the UK’s Vision Care business group to win new independent customers, and increase its share of wallet with existing businesses, through a series of ZEISS initiatives specifically created for the delegates.

Peter Robertson, ZEISS Marketing & Communications Director: “We tried to create a memorable day for all. A day that would help us create new opportunities and show UK independent opticians that they can trust us and confidently choose to work with ZEISS. Initial feedback and impressions are exceptional. Paul Smith of Smith & Butterfield Opticians commented: “A remarkable event! The Innovation presentations and the hands-on demonstrations were superb, including the new i.Terminal Mobile - one of many new and exciting products that will help grow our business with ZEISS.” Another delegate, Asad Hamir, Kite Opticians, London said: “Guys thanks again for the event today. Seriously, I don't say this often...I was inspired today! At times, I even had goose bumps” while Elizabeth Evans from Elizabeth Evans Optometrists said: “Thank you ZEISS . . . simply spectacular . . . and I’m even keener to work with ZEISS now. Wow!”