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 2025
September 26-29, 2025
Paris Nord, Villepinte
SILMO is the most exciting international optics and eyewear trade show, which takes place at the Exhibition Center Paris Nord Villepinte (Paris), and welcomes the professionals of the optical & eyewear sector. A true incubator of ideas and reflection, SILMO Paris anticipates changes in the sector. Innovations, technological challenges, and future perspectives are revealed there to imagine tomorrow.
Square meters
Brands
Visitors
SILMO Paris 2025
THE PLACE TO BE, TO SEE, TO FORESEE!
From September 26 to 29, 2025, Paris Nord Villepinte will once again become the beating heart of the international optics and eyewear industry. Welcoming over 32,000 visitors from 42 countries, along with 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands, SILMO Paris is not just a trade fair—it’s an industry-defining experience where trends are born, innovation takes center stage, and professional connections grow into lasting collaborations.
At SILMO Paris, the energy is palpable. This is the place to be—a global stage where the most daring creators, innovative manufacturers, and passionate professionals come together to share their vision of what eyewear can be. It’s here that brands reveal their newest collections, entrepreneurs exchange big ideas, and the global eyewear community reconnects in an atmosphere charged with creativity and ambition.
"As the place to see, SILMO Paris 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."
But SILMO is not only about seeing—it’s also the place to foresee. As a true incubator of ideas, the event invites professionals to look ahead through a wide range of thought-provoking experiences. At SILMO NEXT, visitors enter a laboratory of the future, where emerging technologies, digital solutions, and cutting-edge concepts push the boundaries of what’s possible in vision care. Meanwhile, the Trends Forum offers a carefully curated selection of the season’s most influential eyewear pieces, capturing the spirit of design movements before they hit the mainstream.
Knowledge sharing remains at the core of the SILMO experience. Through SILMO Talks and the SILMO Academy, attendees have access to in-depth conferences and presentations led by world-renowned experts. From clinical advancements to retail strategies, these sessions offer valuable insights that help shape the future of the optical profession.
Craftsmanship also takes a proud spotlight, as SILMO Paris honors the tradition and excellence of French eyewear making. Visitors can explore the work of the “Meilleurs Ouvriers de France”, discover techniques passed down through generations, and journey through time with museum exhibitions from Oyonnax and Morez, two historic hubs of the eyewear industry.
SILMO Paris is also a place of celebration. The prestigious SILMO d’Or Awards return to spotlight outstanding achievements in design and innovation. Young talent steps into the spotlight through the Optical Design Contest, while the Responsible Company Award recognizes businesses making an impact through sustainability and ethical practices. And finally, the International Optician of the Year Award, presented in collaboration with the IOA, honors excellence in opticianry on a global scale.
Even beyond the show dates, SILMO keeps the conversation alive throughout the year. With monthly SILMO News updates and the popular podcast series “The Right Optics by SILMO” hosted by Nick Coffer, professionals stay connected to the industry's pulse through stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of eyewear.
More news on SILMO
Optical Design Contest // Calling Future Innovators
SILMO Paris, the iconic event in the optics and eyewear sector since 1967, is once again championing creativity and innovation with the 4th edition of the Optical Design Contest. This initiative reaffirms SILMO’s commitment to fostering expertise, supporting the industry, and inspiring the next generation of talent.
TEFtalkSILMO // Daniel Benhams
At Silmo Paris 2024, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Daniel Benhams, a visionary eyewear designer celebrated for his oversized yet glamorous frames. His creations cater to elegant women who see eyewear as a bold expression of their individuality. In this exclusive interview, Daniel shares his inspirations, the craftsmanship behind his statement pieces, and how he continues to redefine luxury eyewear for the modern woman.
TEFtalkSILMO // Kalopsia Revisionist Eyewear
At Silmo Paris, I had the pleasure of speaking with Patricia Photiou, the founder and designer of the Greek eyewear brand Kalopsia Revisionist. . Patricia shared her vision behind the brand, which is deeply rooted in the concept of seeing beauty in the unexpected and fostering a world built on voluntary cooperation, reverence, and humanity.
Silmo d’Or // Winners 2024 Edition
The prestigious SILMO d’Or awards, the ultimate accolade in the optics and eyewear sector, have once again recognized the industry’s most innovative and creative achievements. This year’s winners, selected from an impressive list of nominees, showcase cutting-edge design, technology, and craftsmanship that push the boundaries of eyewear. Let’s take a closer look at the exceptional brands and designers who earned this coveted recognition!
Silmo d’Or // Nominees 2024 edition
A not-to-be-missed event since its launch in 1994, the SILMO d’Or rewards and celebrates the talent and creativity of an entire industry every year. The SILMO d’Or awards are the ultimate recognition of ingenuity and inventiveness. Here are the nominees...
MustSee at Silmo Paris // Our list of brands to check out!
TEFmag, your trusted guide, presents must-see brands at Silmo Paris 2024. Don’t miss these independent eyewear brands!
Silmo Paris 2024 // Highlights Revealed
Where the future of optics takes shape!Highlights revealed SILMO Paris, inspired by Olympic values, welcomes industry professionals from 20 to 23 September. The event, hosting over 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands at the Paris-Nord Villepinte centre, promises an...
Silmo d’Or // New chairman Alexis Mabille
Alexis MABILLE is the chairman of the 2024 Silmo d’Or Awards. By sharing his design expertise and creative vision with the members of the jury of the 2024 SILMO d’Or awards, he will provide valuable insight into this daily object that only needs to be enhanced by a shape, a material or an innovation.
Silmo 2024 // The momentum of the present and future
The 2024 SILMO Paris trade fair is gearing up with genuine enthusiasm to host every participant from the optics industry, offering a platform to display their unique products and services.
SILMO PARIS // In Olympic starting blocks
From the 20th to the 23rd of September, inspired by the Olympic values of performance, innovation and talent, SILMO PARIS 2024 will be opening its doors to all professionals in the sector.
