Following new government guidance on conferences and exhibitions, 100% Optical 2021 will now take place on 8-10 May at ExCeL London.
The show had been due to take place on 23-25 January.
Explaining more, event organiser Nathan Garnett said: “We had contingency plans in place for 100% Optical should new restrictions be re-introduced, or if the restart date was delayed by government. This week Boris Johnson confirmed that the restart date would be delayed, and suggested restrictions may have to be in place for up to six months. We will therefore move to our next step, which is to run the event in a new 8-10 May 2021 dateline at ExCeL London.
“By running in May, our delegates and speakers will feel more confident about attending an exhibition, the virus will be in decline again, and there is the possibility we may have a vaccine by then.
“There have been test exhibitions in the UK that have shown how we can create a Covid Secure event. We have always taken health and safety extremely seriously, and we look forward to showing you have we will instil confidence in both the venue and our event as a Covid secure environment.
“People cannot wait to meet again, and exhibitions remain the most effective way for people to do this. This move will allow us to make sure that the optical sector can meet in 2021, and you can be reunited with friends and colleagues, and a chance to meet new and existing suppliers, and take in our world class education programme.”
The organisation plans to work on the programme and content over the coming weeks.