Silmo Paris 2024 awaits
Discover the trends of today – and tomorrow
With just two weeks to go until Silmo Paris 2024 on 20-23 September, the organisers are preparing for an Olympics-inspired show celebrating performance, innovation and talent.
More than 900 exhibitors will showcase some 1,500 brands spread over 75,000m2 in Halls 6 and 7 of the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition centre.
Future possibilities will be focus within the Silmo Next space, exploring the future of optics and prospects for the next decade. The space will be divided into distinct zones where technological innovations, personalised solutions, and interactive experiences, including augmented and virtual reality, will converge.
This will include a Boutique Workshop of Tomorrow where where eye refraction is performed via smartphone and AI, virtual reality headsets are used to simulate different lens solutions, and 3D scanners can offer precise measurements for optimal eyewear customisation. Visitors will be able to try on frames virtually on a personalised avatar, watch the glasses being 3D printed in real time, and see the lenses being fitted and sized on site.
Find out more about Silmo Futurology and the different zones.
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) will also be in the spotlight at the show, which is actively committed to supporting the optical industry in adopting sustainable and ethical practices. In partnership with the agency Hyssop, Silmo provides practical guides to sustainable sourcing, packaging and transportation to help companies integrate social responsibility into their core activities. These guides offer concrete advice on reducing ecological footprints, promoting diversity, and improving supply chain transparency. Read more about Silmo and CSR.
At the Silmo Trends Forum, visitors will find a visual snapshot of eyewear shapes, colours and materials – highlighting opththalmic and sunglasses styles from exhibitors. Learn about the four trends to watch – and view the Trends by Silmo magazine.
View the best of French eyewear craftsmanship
Ready to enjoy now are the Right Optics by Silmo podcasts – designed to support professionals throughout the year. Conversations with experts and special guests are hosted by Nick Coffer, and delve into the world of eyewear. Episodes cover success stories, craftsmanship, and visions for the future of the industry.
During the four days of the show, Silmo TV journalists will be on-site to provide live coverage of all the latest industry developments, ensuring visitors don’t miss any key moments of the event. With expert analysis, testimonials and reports, professionals will stay connected to the latest news from the show. They can then follow Silmo News throughout the year to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in optics.
Visitors will be able to watch masters of French craftsmanship, entitled to use the prestigious title Meilleur Ouvrier de France, at work – showcasing their exceptional skills. Attendees can witness live demonstrations, including custom frame design, hand shaping, welding and more.
The Design Challenge exhibition is also expected to be a highlight. This team-based competition pairs design students with interns from the École de Lunetterie de Morez to create a collection of highly eclectic frames. These different visions of eyewear, focused on the theme of plant-based materials, highlight inspiring stories of knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
The French Eyewear Makers showcase will take visitors on a journey to the Jura Mountains to discover the unique expertise of local companies and meet their artisans through demonstrations. This showcase is designed to highlight the talent and tradition of eyewear artisans who continue to uphold centuries-old craftsmanship, crucial to the global reputation of Made in France.
Note eyewear shapes, colours and materials to take inspiration back to practice
The Oyannax-Morez Museum will showcase a collection of historical French objects and innovations that have shaped the optical industry. Visitors can explore this unique exhibition to discover the evolution of frame-making techniques and designs while immersing themselves in the rich history and legacy of the iconic towns of Oyonnax and Morez.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Silmo d’Or Awards, celebrating technical excellence, creativity and innovation. The event takes place on the evening of Saturday 21 September in the city and will see the Responsible Company Award and the Silmo/IOA International Optician of the Year Award presented along with all the annual accolades. Discover this year’s Silmo d’Or nominees.
There is a new format for the Silmo Academy this year, while the third edition of the Silmo Paris Optical Design Competition – open to design students from around the world – focuses on eyewear accessories that go beyond vision correction and protection.
For some added fun, the Optympics will celebrate the intersection of sportsmanship and optics – in collaboration with Radioottica, Nico Caradonna and Behind My Glasses.
Another social highlight will be the Drinks Corner, where visitors can take a break at the water bar, Cockorico cocktail bar or Lillet wine bar.
Finally, the Monday of the show – School Day – will once again offer students the chance to go behind the optical industry scenes. A special inter-school challenge, a fun contest in partnership with Optic 2000, will take place dedicated to second-year BTS students. The top five students will win a trip to a European optical trade show.