A look back at Silmo Paris 2021

After an edition called outside the walls which had already proven the remarkable qualities of adaptation and agility of the organizing team of Silmo Paris , this year marked the real reunion of the show optics and its audience. The opportunity for us, as every year, to take stock of the edition which has just taken place.

Silmo Paris: an expected reunion

Two years of absence from the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center. It was necessary to take back its marks, as much for the visitors as for the exhibitors and the organizational teams. If, at first glance, the figures put forward are halved compared to the year 2019, this edition should be placed in the very specific context which is still ours. As access rules are subject to the presentation of a health pass, not necessarily in force in all countries, not to mention that part of the world population always tries to avoid travel as much as possible, it was to be expected to a sharp drop in attendance.

That said, the primary goal of this edition was to "restart the activity in real life", says the president of Silmo Paris, Amélie Morel. During this 2021 edition, around 500 exhibitors were present. Most were from Europe. Despite everything, the show kept a very international image since nearly 40% of the 19,000 visitors came from foreign countries.

The president insisted on a certain form of apprehension about the need to make this meeting a success, the Silmo Paris being the first international optical fair to reopen to the public since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

An enticing program

Having resumed its activities, the Silmo was able to embark on its favorite theme, namely "how to approach the optics of tomorrow." Numerous talks and conferences were held on related but nevertheless varied subjects. For example, we can cite the "Smart Products" workshop by JAW Studio or "Ecology in optics and eyewear, let's talk about it!" with Florent Robaut from Frod's Lunetterie , Sébastien Brusset from JAM Vision and an independent optician.

The Futurology space, already present in 2019, aimed to discuss techno-responsibility, prospective and innovations that will gradually shape the future of the optics and eyewear.

Another essential point, the findings of workshops Meilleurs Ouvriers de France , which have little present all the steps involved in making a custom frame.

Finally, of course, the Silmo d'Or ceremony, which we could follow live and from a distance, presented its statuettes to the winners in the usual categories, ranging from innovation to sport, including equipment and children's models. All the winners can be found here.

In the end, a cover edition that has kept all its promises. The Silmo Paris remains essential for any optical professional and one thing remains certain: we can not wait to find an edition in full possession of its means. Hopefully for next year!

Sources: Acuite.fr, silmoparis.com