Rising Covid-19 infection rates, travel restrictions and feedback from the industry has led to the cancellation of Opti 2021, due to take place in Stuttgart from 8-10 January.
“The last few days have shown that the uncertainties regarding infection rates are dividing the industry,” said Dieter Dohr, chairman of the management board of GHM, the show’s organiser.
“We would like to thank the supporters of Opti 2021 specifically for standing behind our concept for Opti 2021 to this day, and for having placed their trust in us. We still stand by our decision to offer the optical industry a secure platform for its business, especially during these challenging times. However, it has always been our aim to organise an Opti that is secure and successful for everyone and that is supported by a solid industry majority.
“We have been observing the market very closely in recent weeks, and we have maintained close contact with our exhibitors in particular. Many continue to be very interested in introducing their new products to their customers in person and are clearly committed to Opti. The current developments are now associated with more uncertainties, especially with regard to national travel restrictions, meaning that in the last few days many of the registered exhibitors and market leaders cancelled their participation in Opti after their admission was confirmed, due to coronavirus.
“As a result, the situation is becoming increasingly uncertain for Opti visitors as well. Under these conditions, we would not have been able to meet the justified expectations and the objectives pursued by the exhibitors who registered. So it was with a heavy heart that we decided to take this step. The decision to cancel was really not an easy one for us. We are now gathering our strength, looking to the future and directing our focus towards Opti 2022, which will once again provide a positive impetus to the optical industry.”
The next Opti will take place at Fairground Munich from 14 to 16 January 2022.