DALLAS—The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced the launch of START STRONG. Powered by the OWA, a global connection event taking place at Silmo Paris on Saturday, September 26, at 8:30 a.m. CEST. In an announcement, the OWA said this launch constitutes a significant milestone in its international expansion journey. “As the OWA continues to expand its mission beyond North America, this event marks an important step in building a truly global community of optical professionals committed to connection, leadership, mentorship and advancing opportunities for women across the industry,” the association said.
Sponsored by Silmo, START STRONG will focus on purposeful goal setting, well-being and meaningful connection, the OWA said. It is a thoughtfully curated breakfast experience designed to help attendees pause, recharge and prepare for their day ahead, offering them the opportunity to gain valuable insight from industry leaders, build meaningful connections through purposeful networking and approach Silmo with greater clarity, focus and purpose, the announcement said.
START STRONG will begin at 8:30 a.m. with exhibitors, allowing them to participate before the exhibition floor opens. Visitors will be able to join from 9:00 a.m., when the show floor opens, ensuring that both visitors and exhibitors have the opportunity to attend and connect before the day gets fully underway, the OWA said. Amélie Morel, president of Silmo and director of communications at Morel, will provide opening remarks, followed by discussions with industry leaders and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and support across the global optical community.
For exhibitors, Barbara Hébert Motz, chief marketing officer at Morel, will share practical advice on preparing for trade show success, maximizing opportunities during the exhibition and measuring results afterward. For attendees, Tamara Johnson, a buyer at New Look Vision Group, will detail how she approaches major trade shows, sets priorities, identifies new opportunities and evaluates success.
In addition, attendees will learn about the OWA’s growing international presence, current initiatives and future plans. Members of the OWA International Expansion Committee will be present to meet attendees and share more about how to become involved.
START STRONG. Powered by the OWA will take place Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Silmo Club. Attendance is complimentary, sponsored by Silmo. Space is limited and advance registration, open online here, is highly recommended, the OWA noted. The first 50 attendees to sign up will receive an exclusive premium START STRONG wellness bag.
