SILMO Paris 2024 once again proved itself as the premier event for the optical industry, showcasing the latest trends and offering immersive experiences. Over four dynamic days, the show brought together industry professionals for inspiring connections, cutting-edge innovations, and valuable exchanges.
SILMO continues to solidify its role as a pivotal meeting point for the optical sector’s evolution, where innovation and bold ideas shape the future of the industry.
This year, 32,125 professionals attended, marking a 2.6% increase from 2023. With 52% of attendees from international backgrounds and 48% from France, they explored the latest products from over 900 companies across 75,000 m² in Halls 6 and 7 at Paris Nord Villepinte. This vibrant atmosphere encouraged discoveries, collaborations, and opened new opportunities for the industry.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SILMO PARIS 2024
EXCELLENCE REWARDED & AWARDS PRESENTED
THE SILMO D’OR, 30 YEARS ON
The SILMO d’Or awards recognise technical excellence, creativity and innovation, essential qualities that drive the optical industry into the future. Each year, this event attracts the attention of professionals and the media from all over the world, underlining its importance and impact on the global market. The 2024 edition will mark the 30th anniversary of the SILMO d’Or, a testament to its enduring influence and the importance of know-how in the ever-evolving optical industry.
Discover the winners of the 2024 SILMO d’Or.
OPTICAL DESIGN CONTEST
SILMO Paris also encourages the talents of tomorrow through the Optical Design Contest, which aims to promote expertise, defend the industry and stimulate innovation. Open to design students from all over the world, the third edition of this competition focused on eyewear accessories that not only correct and protect vision, but also explore new functions and uses.
Discover the 2024 winner: DISTROAL by Thomas DENEUFBOURG & Adrien GALLOIS – École de Design Nantes Atlantique
COMMITTED COMPANY PRIZE
Adopting a comprehensive CSR strategy is essential to meet stakeholder expectations while strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of companies in the optical sector. To encourage these sustainable and responsible practices, SILMO, in collaboration with the HYSSOP agency, has launched the Committed Company Prize. This award recognises companies that take a holistic approach to ethical, environmental and social issues and are actively committed to a more responsible future.
Discover the 2024 winners: Vanni & Skans
INTERNATIONAL OPTICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award, presented by the IOA (International Opticians Association) in partnership with SILMO Paris, encourages and rewards an optician for his or her vision and commitment to promoting the values of the profession to both staff and customers.
Discover the 2024 winner: Vitor Martins (Portugal)
INTER-SCHOOL CHALLENGE
Every Monday during SILMO Paris, Schools Day offers students and teachers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of the optical industry. This day also included the Inter-School Challenge, a fun competition organised in partnership with OPTIC 2000 and dedicated to 2nd year BTS students. This year, ESSO ANGERS won the competition, with the top 5 students winning a trip to a European optics exhibition.
ANIMATIONS
SILMO NEXT – FUTUROLOGY: THE FUTURE OF POSSIBILITIES
Immerse yourself in the future of optics and explore the fascinating prospects for the years 2025 to 2035. Professionals discovered a space, divided into several distinct zones, where technological innovations, personalised solutions, interactive experiences, augmented and virtual reality all come together.
The SILMO NEXT Experts Committee – Who are these specialists and professionals? What themes were discussed? And what conclusions were drawn? Discover the latest report from the Committee of Experts.
THE TRENDS FORUM
A freeze frame on the shapes, colours and materials of eyewear, a complete overview that shed light on the best optical and sunwear frames from exhibitors at the show. Here are the four trends highlighted at the show that will be tomorrow’s success stories.
MEETING THE KNOW-HOW
– MEILLEURS OUVRIERS DE FRANCE
An exploration of the MOFs’ key workshops, where masters of the French craft revealed their exceptional craftsmanship and offered demonstrations: design of made-to-measure frames, hand shaping, welding, etc. And, as every year, visitors were able to discover the ‘Design Challenge’ exhibition, which brought together the creations of design students and trainees from the Ecole de Lunetterie de Morez, eclectic frames inspired by plant materials, offering a wonderful story of transmission and sharing.
– THE EXPERTISE OF FRENCH EYEWEAR MANUFACTURERS
Plunge into the heart of the Jura mountains to discover the unique expertise of these companies and meet their craftsmen during captivating events. A showcase for the talent and tradition of artisan eyewear manufacturers who perpetuate a centuries-old know-how that is essential to the worldwide reputation of « Made in France ».
– OYONNAX – MOREZ MUSEUM
A fascinating collection of historical objects and innovations that have shaped two centuries of eyewear history. This showcase of French eyewear heritage is an opportunity to explore the evolution of techniques and frame designs, while discovering the rich history and heritage of the two iconic towns of Oyonnax and Morez.
SILMO TALKS & THE SILMO ACADEMY CONFERENCES
An even more immersive and interactive experience, with a series of inspiring conferences offering insights and analysis from leading specialists. At the same time, the new SILMO Academy format enabled visitors to attend engaging talks from leading international researchers and experts. Find out more about the exhibition programme.
THE OPTYMPICS
A fun and engaging competition, the OPTympics celebrated the intersection between sportsmanship and the fascinating world of optics. Like athletes pushing their limits, opticians were given the opportunity to play the game and test their skills with passion, creativity and expertise. + Over 800 people took part! Click here to see the results.
In collaboration with Radioottica, Nico Caradonna & Behind My Glass
THE SILMO TOUCH
A YEAR ROUND COMMITMENT
RSE: AT THE HEART OF OPTICS
SILMO is actively committed to supporting the optical industry in adopting sustainable and ethical practices. In partnership with the Hyssop agency, it is making available practical fact sheets that decipher key issues such as sourcing, packaging and transport, in order to guide companies in integrating social responsibility at the heart of their activities. The factsheets offer practical advice on how to reduce the ecological footprint, encourage diversity and improve the transparency of supply chains. By combining innovation and responsibility, the SILMO supports industry professionals in their transition to a more sustainable future.
THE RIGHT OPTICS » PODCASTS BY SILMO
« The Right Optics » is designed to accompany professionals throughout the year, beyond the borders of the show. These lively conversations with experts and special guests, all orchestrated by Nick Coffer, explore in depth the captivating world of eyewear. The episodes reveal success stories, highlight exceptional expertise and share inspiring visions for the future of the sector.
SILMO TV & SILMO NEWS, the broadcast
Throughout the four days of the show, SILMO TV journalists were on hand to report live on all the latest developments in the sector and to ensure that visitors did not miss any of the key moments of the event. Thanks to expert analysis, personal accounts and reports, professionals were able to keep abreast of the latest developments at SILMO Paris and will be able to follow the SILMO news broadcasts throughout the year to keep abreast of the latest trends and innovations in the optical sector. All SILMO Paris 2024 programmes and interviews are available here.
SILMO JOB
SILMO Paris, a key partner of the optics industry, supports professionals in meeting the key challenges of the sector, in particular talent recruitment. Throughout the year, recruiters and candidates benefit from a dynamic space beyond the exhibition walls, offering exclusive opportunities to build the teams of tomorrow.
Silmo Paris 2026 – International Eyewear Trade Fair
September 25-28, 2026
Paris Nord, Villepinte
SILMO Paris 2026 is the most exciting international eyewear and optics trade fair, held at the Exhibition Center Paris Nord Villepinte. This Silmo Paris eyewear show welcomes professionals from across the optical sector, serving as both a marketplace and an incubator of ideas. Each year, the fair reveals innovations, technological challenges, and future perspectives that help define tomorrow’s eyewear industry.
Key Facts – Silmo Paris 2026 Dates and Location
Square meters
Brands
Visitors
SILMO Paris 2026
THE PLACE TO BE, TO SEE, TO FORESEE!
Why Silmo Paris 2026 is the Place to Be:
From September 25 to 28, 2026, Paris Nord Villepinte will once again become the global stage of the eyewear industry. Welcoming thousands of professionals and leading brands, Silmo Paris international eyewear fair is where new collections are unveiled, business connections are made, and eyewear trends for 2026 and beyond are set.
This is not just an optical trade fair in France; it’s an industry-defining experience where daring creators, innovative manufacturers, and passionate opticians come together to share their vision of the future.
Registration for SILMO Paris 2026
Visitor registration for SILMO Paris 2026 is now open through the official SILMO Paris website. Optical professionals planning to attend the show can order their ticket online in advance and prepare their visit to Paris Nord Villepinte, where the event will take place from 25 to 28 September 2026.
"As the place to see, the Silmo Paris eyewear show showcases the very best in optics, all under one roof. From visionary designs and breakthrough lens technologies to sustainable materials and smart glasses, this is where visitors get a front-row seat to the future of eyewear. Every corner of the exhibition buzzes with discoveries, offering visitors a chance to explore the products and innovations that will soon define their own shelves and practices."
SILMO Next – Innovation Hub for Eyewear
At the SILMO Next innovation hub, visitors step into a laboratory of the future. Here, emerging technologies, digital solutions, and cutting-edge design concepts are showcased. From sustainable materials and smart glasses to AI-driven retail solutions, SILMO Next sets the tone for the next generation of eyewear.
Eyewear Trends at Silmo Paris 2026
The Trends Forum offers a curated journey through the season’s most influential eyewear pieces. Attendees gain insights into color directions, material innovations, and shape evolutions before they hit the mainstream. This section has become a key resource for professionals looking to anticipate the eyewear trends Silmo Paris 2026 will bring to the market.
Knowledge Sharing – Silmo Talks and Academy
Learning is central to Silmo Paris optical trade fair. Through Silmo Talks and the Silmo Academy, visitors engage with world-renowned experts. Topics range from clinical breakthroughs to retail strategies, offering knowledge that helps shape the future of the optical profession.
Celebrating Excellence – Silmo d’Or Awards 2026
SILMO Paris is also a celebration of creativity and achievement. The prestigious Silmo d’Or awards 2026 honor outstanding eyewear design and technological innovation.
Other Awards and Recognitions
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Optical Design Contest – spotlighting young creative talent
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Responsible Company Award – rewarding sustainability and ethical practices
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International Optician of the Year Award – presented in collab with the IOA
Honoring Craftsmanship and Heritage
Visitors can explore the artistry of French eyewear making. From the skills of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France to exhibitions from the museums of Oyonnax and Morez, SILMO Paris celebrates the heritage and craftsmanship that continue to inspire the industry.
Staying Connected Beyond the Fair
The conversation doesn’t end when the doors close. With SILMO News updates and “The Right Optics by SILMO” podcast, the event keeps professionals engaged throughout the year, offering stories, interviews, and insights that extend the impact of the show Silmo Paris Paris Nord Villepinte.
More news on SILMO Paris 2026
SILMO Talks // Defining Independent Opticians
At SILMO Paris 2026, Alessandra Salimbene will challenge traditional definitions of the independent optician, presenting a new marketing perspective and unveiling a project created specifically for Europe’s independent optical sector.
SILMO d’Or 2026 // Meet the Nominees
The nominees for the 33rd SILMO d’Or have been revealed. Across 13 categories, the 2026 shortlist celebrates outstanding eyewear design, craftsmanship, innovation, vision technology and optical expertise ahead of the final judging at SILMO Paris.
Must-See Brands at SILMO Paris 2026
TEF selects the SILMO Paris eyewear brands worth your time in 2026, from bold showstoppers and design thinkers to craft obsessives, rule breakers and new names to watch.
SILMO Paris // One Month Until Eyewear Takes Over Paris
SILMO Paris 2026 returns from 25 to 28 September, bringing the international eyewear and optical industry together for four days of new collections, technology, trends, education and networking. From independent eyewear and the SILMO d’Or to smart glasses, AI and more than 60 conferences, Paris once again becomes one of the key meeting points of the optical calendar.
SILMO d’Or 2026 // Joachim Froment to Lead the Jury
SILMO d’Or 2026 places contemporary design thinking at the center of optics with the appointment of Joachim Froment as President of the Jury. The Brussels-based industrial designer brings a multidisciplinary vision shaped by technology, emotion, and systemic design, reinforcing SILMO Paris as a platform where the future of eyewear innovation continues to evolve.
SILMO Paris 2026 // Where the Industry Moves
There is a moment each year when the optical industry stops reacting and starts defining what comes next. SILMO Paris 2026 is that moment. From global brands to emerging innovators, from craftsmanship to technology, everything converges in Paris. It is where ideas gain direction, where conversations become collaborations, and where the future of eyewear quietly begins to take shape.
SILMO Paris // A New Vision Takes Shape in 2026
SILMO Paris is entering a new chapter. For the 2026 edition, the global optical trade show introduces a new identity and campaign built around a clear message: “The Season Starts Here.” As the industry prepares to gather in Paris this September, SILMO positions itself once again as the moment when innovation, design and new ideas begin shaping the next eyewear season.
Vuarnet // TEFtalk with Vuarnet Brand Director Giulia Zanzi
At SILMO Paris 2025, TEF Magazine sat down for a #TEFtalk with Giulia Zanzi, Brand Director at Vuarnet, to explore how this iconic performance eyewear brand continues to evolve under Thélios. Zanzi reflects on Vuarnet’s legacy of French craftsmanship, technological precision, and timeless style built for life’s every adventure.
SILMO Academy Bali // Vision Meets Paradise
For the first time, SILMO Academy heads to Bali for a three-day international congress from April 6–8, 2026, dedicated to visual health, research, and innovation. Hosted by SILMO Paris, this new edition brings together world-leading experts to explore themes such as Healthy Ageing, Light Management, and Future Advances in Optometry, all set against the tranquil and inspiring backdrop of Hotel Paradisus, Bali.
Optical Women’s Association // Empowering Global Voices at SILMO Paris
OWA Global Connection Event Celebrating Women in Optical Innovation The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) marked another milestone for global collaboration with its Global Connection Event at SILMO Paris, titled “Seeing Beyond: The Power of Women in Optical...
