As planned at the beginning of her term, Lorraine Berton, now ANFAO President, also became president of the subsidiary IES Srl, the service company which successfully manages a number of activities, including the international eyewear event MIDO | Milano Eyewear Show.
Last July, pending the appearance of a valid candidate as ANFAO President, the Association renewed the outgoing bodies of the Srl with an interim Board of Directors to ensure management continuity. The Board of Directors chaired by Giovanni Vitaloni, ANFAO’s Past President, thus took office in the prospect of a subsequent changeover with ANFAO’s future political leaders, in the manner and at the time deemed most suitable and propitious.
Once the MIDO 2024 edition had been successfully concluded and all the association’s activities were under way, the time was right for President Berton to take over.
Thanks to the close cooperation and joint efforts of Lorraine Berton and Giovanni Vitaloni, the procedure for defining the governance was completed, ensuring a smooth transition and strategic continuity in managing the initiatives of the entire ANFAO system.
“I would like to thank Giovanni Vitaloni for his work over these years, during which I have had the pleasure of collaborating and working actively with him at the helm of ANFAO and IES Srl. The dedication and commitment shown by everybody have proved a crucial contribution to the success of MIDO and ANFAO’s activities. The projects launched during his term of office will be a stimulus to further improve and replicate his success in the years to come.”
“I am confident that under Lorraine Berton’s leadership. IES will continue to achieve new goals and promote our industry’s excellence. I would like to thank all those who have worked with me over the past 10 years, facing challenges that were not easy and contributing to the many successes achieved. I wish the new team well in their activities, with the primary objective of working for the good of the companies in our industry”.
MIDO MILAN 2027
The Global Eyewear Industry Meets in Milan
February 6-8, 2027
Fiera Milano, Rho
MIDO 2027 returns to Fiera Milano Rho from 6 to 8 February 2027, bringing the international eyewear industry together for three days of design, technology, innovation and business.
Halls
Exhibitors
Visitors
Recognised as one of the world’s leading eyewear exhibitions, MIDO Milan represents the complete optical supply chain. Eyewear brands, independent designers, lens manufacturers, machinery specialists, material innovators, distributors, opticians and buyers from across the globe gather in Milan to discover the collections, technologies and ideas shaping the year ahead.
The latest edition attracted approximately 42,000 visitors from more than 160 countries, alongside around 1,200 exhibitors. Spread across seven halls and several specialised exhibition areas, MIDO offers an unmatched overview of the global eyewear market.
From new frame collections and advanced lens technology to manufacturing machinery and retail innovation, MIDO 2027 is where the eyewear world comes to see, be seen and do business.
'MIDO is a unique opportunity to meet the entire eyewear supply chain, from machinery to lenses, along with frame manufacturers, and from the industry's top name brands to young independent designers. If you're in this industry and deeply passionate about it, you simply cannot miss MIDO. It would mean losing one of the best opportunities available to anyone in this profession.
In addition, discussion and insight into the international market at 360 degrees in an exciting atmosphere of novelty and innovation, with a focus on sustainability at all levels. An event that people in and out the eyewear world simply cannot miss. '
What Is MIDO 2027?
MIDO Milan 2027 is an international trade show for the optical and eyewear industries, taking place at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy.
For more than 50 years, MIDO has connected the creative, commercial and technical sides of eyewear. The event covers fashion frames, independent eyewear, sunglasses, lenses, machinery, raw materials, components, optical equipment and retail technology.
The show is created for industry professionals, including opticians, optometrists, buyers, distributors, agents, designers, manufacturers, journalists and suppliers.
For visitors, MIDO provides direct access to thousands of products and hundreds of companies in one location. For brands and manufacturers, it creates an international platform for launching collections, meeting clients and developing new markets.
MIDO 2027 Dates, Venue and Opening Hours
MIDO 2027 will take place from Saturday 6 to Monday 8 February 2027.
The event will once again be held at Fiera Milano Rho, the large exhibition centre situated outside central Milan. The venue is connected to the city by metro and railway services through the Rho Fieramilano station.
| Event | MIDO 2027 |
|---|---|
| Date | February 6–8, 2027 |
| Venue | Fiera Milano Rho |
| Location | Milan, Italy |
| Focus | Eyewear design, independent brands, lenses, optical technology, manufacturing, materials, machinery and industry innovation |
| Visitor profile | Opticians, optometrists, eyewear buyers, distributors, agents, designers, manufacturers, suppliers and optical industry professionals |
| Access | Industry-only trade event |
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MIDO 2025 // Let the show begin
LET THE SHOW BEGIN: CURTAINS RISE ON THE 53RD EDITION OF MIDO
Business, Made in Italy, innovation, trends and continuing education are the keywords for the eyewear show in Milan
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MIDO is a place where all is shaping up.
It is the perfect gathering point for the industry to meet in order to do business, compare notes, and share experiences
MIDO 2025 // Top10 Must-See Brands
MIDO 2025 in Milan is set to impress, covering an enormous 120,000 m² across seven halls and featuring over 1,200 brands. With so much to see, finding the true “cherry” brands can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated this Top 10 Shortlist of must-see independent eyewear brands to help you uncover the best of the show. Let us guide you to the hidden gems you won’t want to miss!
OWA // Breaking Optical Barriers
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) is excited to announce an OWA Global Event at MIDO in Milan, as expansion plans continue to reach out to women in the optical industry internationally.
MIDO 2025 // Three Weeks to Go!
Now online, the calendar of events and list of guests at The Vision Stage, the innovative space for information and training at MIDO pavilion 1
MIDO 2025 // A Bold Leap Forward
MIDO, the leading international eyewear tradeshow, is gearing up for its 2025 edition with groundbreaking innovations across its exhibition layout, digital tools, and educational offerings. These enhancements promise to deliver an unparalleled experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, showcasing the future of the eyewear industry.
MIDO 2025 // Refocusing on Humans
Refocusing its priority on people and celebrating the return of value (and to the values) of human creativity: this is the message MIDO aims to convey with the photos taken by internationally acclaimed photographer Uli Weber.
MIDO // Spheres campaign wins Mediastars award
For the second year, mido takes first prize in the Mdiastars press section with its “spheres” communication campaign. The campaign, developed by Max Galli in partnership with mixer group, was the first in the trade show industry to be created with artificial intelligence
Discover the Complete Eyewear Industry
The scale and variety of MIDO make it one of the most important annual events on the optical calendar.
Major international eyewear companies exhibit alongside independent labels, emerging designers and specialist manufacturers. Visitors can move from established commercial collections to experimental design, advanced lens technology and high-precision manufacturing equipment in a single day.
The Fashion areas present international brands and major eyewear producers, while the design-focused halls reveal a more creative and independent side of the industry. These sections are often where opticians discover new labels, unusual materials and collections with a strong visual identity.
MIDO also dedicates considerable space to lenses, laboratory technology, optical instruments, components and machinery. This allows visitors to explore not only the finished product but also the technology and craftsmanship behind it.
For designers and brands, the manufacturing areas offer opportunities to meet suppliers, examine new materials and discover production techniques that may influence future collections.
Independent Eyewear at MIDO Milan
For independent opticians, one of the strongest reasons to attend MIDO 2027 is the opportunity to discover brands that can differentiate their stores.
A frame cannot be judged fully from a screen or catalogue. At MIDO, buyers can feel the material, inspect the construction, assess the proportions and meet the people behind each collection.
Those conversations often reveal far more than a line sheet. They offer insight into the philosophy, production methods and commercial direction of a brand, helping opticians decide whether it truly fits their store and clientele.
The independent sections also give emerging designers access to an international professional audience. A first meeting in Milan can lead to a new retail account, an agency agreement or distribution in an entirely new market.
Where Eyewear Business Happens
Although MIDO is visually impressive, its real importance lies in the business taking place inside the halls.
Collections are launched, orders are written and distribution agreements are discussed. Brands meet existing clients while searching for new partners. Agents explore territories, manufacturers present new capabilities and buyers build the assortments that will shape their stores.
Because MIDO attracts visitors from more than 160 countries, companies can reach multiple markets during one exhibition. This international concentration makes the show particularly valuable for brands seeking growth beyond their domestic market.
It also allows visitors to understand the wider direction of the eyewear industry. Design movements from Europe, manufacturing expertise from Asia and retail developments from international optical markets all come together in Milan.
Eyewear Trends and Innovation
As one of the first major international eyewear shows of the year, MIDO plays an important role in revealing new trends.
Visitors can expect to see new colours, materials, frame shapes and construction techniques across the exhibition floor. Some collections respond to developments in fashion, while others are driven by advances in technology, sustainability or manufacturing.
The show also reflects changes within optical retail. Personalisation, artificial intelligence, digital tools, responsible production and the evolving role of the independent optician are increasingly important parts of the industry conversation.
MIDO brings these developments together, allowing professionals to judge which ideas offer genuine creative, technical or commercial value.
Education, Awards and Industry Insight
MIDO extends beyond the exhibition stands through a programme of talks, presentations, awards and professional discussions.
The Vision Stage traditionally hosts conversations about design, sustainability, communication, technology, leadership and market developments. Industry experts and creative leaders share insights into the challenges and opportunities facing eyewear professionals.
MIDO’s awards also recognise achievements in eyewear design, retail presentation, innovation and responsible business practices.
These programmes provide valuable context to the products presented throughout the halls and help visitors understand where the industry may be heading next.
Why Visit MIDO 2027?
MIDO 2027 offers opticians and buyers a rare opportunity to experience the international eyewear market in one location.
Visitors can discover new collections, compare suppliers, meet designers and strengthen professional relationships. They can explore established brands while leaving space for unexpected discoveries among emerging labels and smaller independent companies.
For eyewear brands, MIDO provides international visibility and direct access to buyers, distributors, agents, journalists and industry leaders. It is a place to launch products, enter new markets and reinforce existing partnerships.
For manufacturers and technology companies, the event offers a global stage for demonstrating innovation and connecting with the businesses that will use it.
Most importantly, MIDO remains a physical meeting place for an industry built on personal relationships. Many of the partnerships that begin in Milan continue long after the exhibition closes.
Milan: The International Capital of Eyewear
Milan is a natural home for MIDO.
The city’s influence in fashion, architecture and industrial design creates the perfect setting for an event where aesthetics, technology and craftsmanship constantly intersect.
After the show closes, the eyewear industry continues to meet throughout Milan. Dinners, launches, showroom visits and informal gatherings allow relationships to develop in a more relaxed atmosphere.
For three days in February, the city becomes the international capital of eyewear.
Frequently Asked Questions About MIDO 2027
When is MIDO 2027?
MIDO 2027 takes place from 6 to 8 February 2027.
Where is MIDO 2027 held?
The event is held at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy.
Who can attend MIDO?
MIDO is a professional trade show for opticians, optometrists, buyers, designers, distributors, agents, manufacturers, suppliers and other eyewear industry professionals.
What can visitors see at MIDO?
Visitors can discover prescription eyewear, sunglasses, lenses, independent brands, optical equipment, raw materials, machinery, components and manufacturing technology.
How many exhibitors attend MIDO?
The latest edition featured approximately 1,200 exhibitors and welcomed around 42,000 visitors from more than 160 countries.
