“All hands on deck” for Silmo 2020

With many 2020 industry events cancelled and/or postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the team at Silmo Paris are reassuring the profession and industry that it’s “all hands on deck” to welcome them back safely and responsibly this autumn.

Taking place from 2-5 October at the Paris Nord Villepinte, the theme of the 2020 edition is #futureissilmo. The Silmo Next and Silmo Future show zones will be more pertinent than ever before, as the profession and industry prepare for an altered landscape post-pandemic. Some 700 companies have confirmed their registration, for an exhibitor attendance rate of 80 per cent, said the organisers.

Silmo chairman, Amélie Morel

Amélie Morel, chairman of Silmo Paris, commented: “Although the unprecedented period that we have been experiencing for several months has been causing upheavals in our personal and professional lives, Silmo Paris continues to work on a daily basis to protect and enhance the industry. The calendar of great events has been disrupted overall, but we are keeping a close eye on the encouraging evolution of the situation, and we are prepared for any possible scenario with one central objective: to protect the interests of our communities.

“Resolutely positive and enthusiastic, our team is ‘all hands on deck’ to prepare the next edition of the trade fair, eagerly attended by the entire profession. Since the lifting of lockdown has been unfolding smoothly throughout Europe, we are very optimistic and are more determined than ever to propose a forward-looking 2020 edition rich in innovative content and friendly, inspiring encounters.”

The 2020 Silmo Next zone will be organised into five spaces, emphasising the increasing importance of technology for both eyewear brands and opticians, and the growing awareness of the need for corporate social responsibility within the industry. The zone will showcase eco-brands and materials, and for the first time introduce the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France celebrating craftsmanship, local sourcing and authenticity in eyewear design.

The spirit of international kinship will be the focus within the Silmo Family zone, where visitors can discover more about the growing Silmo family that encompasses Silmo Istanbul, Silmo Bangkok.

Éric Lenoir, director of Silmo Paris, added: “The protection of exhibitors, visitors and all our teams is central to us: we are considering all the possibilities and are ready to assume 100 per cent responsibility for any risks. But most of all, we wish to reassure optical and eyewear professionals that we are making every effort – as we do every year – to prepare a trade fair at the cutting edge of innovation and inspiration to lead the community through the developments underway in the industry and in the business.

“After nine months deprived of professional encounters, without seeing each other ‘in real life’, we will be even more thrilled to see you again – safely, of course – to celebrate the creativity, conviviality and expertise of our entire field. We are resolutely optimistic, committed and supportive: we are convinced the future is at Silmo – and that Silmo is the future.”

Stay abreast of developments for Silmo Paris here.