On Saturday, 8 February, the curtains rise on MIDO, the international eyewear show running through Monday, 10 February at Fiera Milano Rho.
The true stars of the show will be the 1,200+ exhibitors from over 50 countries and visitors from 160 nations, including buyers, opticians, entrepreneurs, journalists, and a full spectrum of trade professionals.
MIDO serves as the elite stage for global eyewear, bringing the entire production supply chain into the spotlight—making it the only eyewear show in the world to do so. This platform highlights a system that, in Italy alone, is valued at over €5 billion, employs 19,000 skilled workers, and celebrates every facet of eyewear, fostering business growth and global sales agreements.
“MIDO is just around the corner and this will be my first edition in the role of President; I can’t deny feeling a certain excitement. Over the years, I have experienced MIDO as an entrepreneur and what always amazed me is its ability to transform and elevate itself, adapting to the times and often anticipating market trends.”
“With this edition, we were passionate about carrying forward this concept of ongoing evolution and improvement, constantly responding to the needs and requirements of the many, many professionals around the world who work in this industry. In historic and economic times of great uncertainty, as we are presently experiencing, it is our duty and a necessity to demonstrate to the world the industrial strength and economic power of a healthy, thriving manufacturing sector like eyewear.”
On the eve of its opening, this edition of MIDO is already proving to be a resounding success, with strong participation from exhibitors and an expanded trade show designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Compared to 2024, the event features an additional 1,000 m² of exhibit space, spanning seven pavilions and eight distinct exhibit areas. These spaces will host leading fashion brands, independent designers, and manufacturers of lenses, machinery, and accessories, alongside the dynamic Asian group stands.
From every perspective, MIDO is a visual spectacle, not only because it caters to eyewear and vision professionals, but also due to its ever-evolving layout and installations. Each edition is updated to provide exhibitors with a stage designed to inspire wonder and to immerse visitors in a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Key Innovations for This Edition
This year introduces several noteworthy changes:
- Pavilion 6, designed with sustainability in mind, will feature a new piazza, inspired by the timeless charm of Italian villages. This space will house the Academy and the Start-up area, both of which have expanded (+13 exhibitors for Academy, +9 for Start-up).
- Pavilions 2 and 4, home to the Design Area, have been reorganized to accommodate a greater number of exhibitors, increase stand sizes, and welcome numerous new participants.
- Pavilion 4 will also showcase an installation dedicated to DaTE, the contemporary eyewear event set to take place in Riccione from 13-15 September.
- Pavilion 1’s Fashion Square, redesigned for enhanced functionality and accessibility, will serve as the central hub for luxury and high-fashion eyewear brands.
MIDO Awards & Industry Recognition
On Saturday at 5 PM, Pavilion 1’s Fashion Square will transform into the stage for the MIDO Awards ceremony, recognizing excellence across several categories:
- Best Store Award – Honoring optical shops that excel in customer service and shopping experience.
- Stand Up For Green – Celebrating the most sustainable exhibit stand.
- Certified Sustainable Eyewear (CSE) Award – Acknowledging sustainability efforts in eyewear design at an international level.
- Sergio Cereda Design Award – A new award spotlighting emerging Italian talent in eyewear design.
Educational Programs & Industry Dialogues
Beyond showcasing global eyewear, MIDO is also a hub for education and information sharing. The newly renovated Vision Stage in Pavilion 1 (formerly Otticlub) will host workshops, conferences, and roundtables featuring renowned Italian and international speakers.
Saturday Highlights:
- 11 AM – Trends analysis with Alessandra Albarello.
- 12 PM – Color in eyewear with Francesca Valan.
- 1 PM – Press conference featuring Minister Adolfo Urso, unveiling The Lens of Time exhibition at Palazzo Flangini, Venice, an ANFAO initiative celebrating the intersection of innovation and tradition.
Sunday Key Events:
- 11 AM – Oops. I Said It Again, a discussion on inclusion, organized by ANFAO with Paolo Ruffini.
- 1 PM – WGSN presents Future Consumer 2026.
- 3 PM – Eyecare Commission discussion: The Importance of Proper Vision in Sports, featuring Alessandro Costacurta.
- 4 PM – Release of the Optical Monitor market research by GFK for MIDO.
- 5 PM – Shared Visions: A forum on integration between optical and medical fields, organized by Fabiano Gruppo Editoriale, in collaboration with ANFAO, ANFAO Lens Group, Federottica, and MIDO.
Monday Key Events:
- 11 AM – ANFAO-led discussion on sustainability and ESG criteria in the eyewear industry.
- 12 PM – STEPIC Innovations 2026 presentation on the 12 key trends shaping the world in 2026, curated by WGSN.
The full event calendar is available on the MIDO website: MIDO 2025 Vision Stage.
Digital & Networking Opportunities
In addition to the in-person experience, MIDO extends its reach through a range of digital tools:
- MIDO App – Enhancing event planning and post-show networking.
- Website – Offering exclusive content for visitors and exhibitors.
- Social Channels – Featuring real-time updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes content.
Event Logistics & Registration
- Location: Fiera Milano Rho, Strada Statale del Sempione 28
- Dates: Saturday 8th – Monday 10th February
- Opening Hours:
- Saturday & Sunday: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Monday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Accreditation:
- General attendees can register at: Entry Pass Registration
- Journalists can register at: Press Registration
Stay Updated
For the latest MIDO news, visit the official website: MIDO Official Site
About MIDO
MIDO MILANO 2026
January 31 - February 2, 2026
Fiera Milano, Rho
MIDO is the leading event in the eyewear industry, an exceptional event that has been at the heart of business and trends in the eyewear world for over 50 years.
Halls
Exhibitors
Visitors
It is the only event in the world where you can find all the players in the supply chain: from frame and lens manufacturers to machinery and raw materials; from large multinationals to small innovative companies; from well-known or emerging designers to start-ups and accessories. MIDO is a meeting place for business: making contacts, communicating to a large international audience and discovering the latest market trends are just some of the activities possible at the fair. It also hosts numerous initiatives involving personalities from the industry and provides information and multiple services.
'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. '
MIDO Milano 2026 will take place from January 1st until February 2nd at Fiera Milano Rho. To register, exhibit and learn more visit their website at www.mido.com, email them at mido@mido.it or call us at +39 02 32673673.
More news on MIDO
MIDO 2026 Review // Trends, Technology and Global Momentum
In this MIDO 2026 review, we look back at a show that matched last year’s strength while expanding its global reach. From AI-driven design to bio-based materials and the launch of Eyewearland, Milan once again proved why it remains the international meeting point for the eyewear industry. Business was concrete, conversations were strategic, and the momentum toward 2027 has already begun.
MIDO 2026 // Inside The Vision Stage Programme
In Hall 1 at MIDO 2026, the eyewear industry pauses to listen. The Vision Stage brings leadership, data, sustainability and global context into focus.
Must See at MIDO Milano 2026 // Independent Eyewear Highlights
MIDO Milano 2026 brings independent eyewear into sharp focus. This Must-See selection highlights brands that define design integrity, craftsmanship, and long-term vision, from technically driven innovators to heritage-led ateliers. It is not about seeing everything, but about seeing the right things. These are collections that deserve time, conversation, and a closer look, offering opticians meaningful discoveries rather than surface noise. Use this guide as your compass on the show floor, and let instinct lead you toward the frames that truly matter.
MIDO 2026 // Exhibitor List, Halls and Highlights
With the MIDO 2026 exhibitor list now online, the shape of the next edition is clear. From redesigned halls and a strengthened Design area to the Vision Stage, awards and exhibitions, Milan prepares for three days where independent eyewear, innovation and global dialogue come together.
MIDO 2026 // Where the Future of Eyewear Awakens
The MIDO eyewear exhibition 2026 returns to Milan as the key global moment where the future of eyewear is revealed. Across seven pavilions, visionary brands and emerging global eyewear trends set the tone for the year ahead.
MIDO 2026 // The Global Eyewear Stage Returns
Milan once again becomes the epicenter of the global eyewear industry as MIDO 2026 opens its doors. From international manufacturers and independent designers to opticians, buyers and start-ups, the show brings together the full supply chain under one roof. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, education and future-facing dialogue, MIDO continues to shape how eyewear is designed, produced and experienced worldwide.
MIDO 2026 // Registrations and Awards Now Open
The countdown to MIDO 2026 has begun, with registrations now open for visitors and journalists. Alongside the event comes the highly anticipated MIDO 2026 Awards, including the CSE Award for sustainable eyewear and the Best Store Award, celebrating innovation and design in optical retail. With last year’s show drawing over 42,000 professionals, MIDO 2026 promises to once again set the stage for creativity, sustainability, and global collaboration.
Sergio Cereda Award // Expands to Global Design Schools with $10K Prize
The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, now open globally, invites top design students to compete for $10,000 and be honored live at MIDO 2026. A new global spotlight on tomorrow’s eyewear talent.
MIDO // “Refocusing on Humans” campaign wins at Mediastars
MIDO’s “Refocusing on Humans” campaign scores a triple win at the Mediastars Awards 2025. The Milano Eyewear Show proves again that great communication and human-centered storytelling go hand in hand.
DITA Lancier // TEFtalk with Dita VP Drew Oppermann
In this TEFtalk interview, we meet Drew Opperman of DITA Eyewear at MIDO in Milan to explore the sleek DITA-Lancier collection—high-performance eyewear for land, sea, and air, refined through DITA’s signature luxury design.
