BOLD XXL 2025
The optical trade show in the Benelux
BOLD XXL 2025 took place on September 7 and 8 in the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch, bringing together hundreds of independent opticians and leading (inter)national eyewear brands.
As the largest optical trade show in the Benelux, it once again became the meeting ground where inspiration, craftsmanship, and innovation set the tone.
A vibrant atmosphere at BOLD Optical Fair 2025
From the moment the doors opened, the energy on the show floor was undeniable. Opticians and brands connected effortlessly, admiring new collections, exchanging ideas, and planning collaborations. By Monday, the pace intensified even further, underscoring the show’s growing importance as a central hub in the optical calendar.
More than just a fair, BOLD Optical Fair transformed into a true community event. Dedicated areas such as the Luxury Lounge, HotSpot, Netwerkplein, and Ooggezondheidsplein highlighted how the Bold Optical Fair continues to evolve beyond commerce, creating a stage where passion for the craft of eyewear is celebrated.
Why the Bold Optical Fair matters for independent opticians
Exhibitors praised the quality of visitors, while opticians described the show as the place to discover fresh ideas, strengthen existing relationships, and purchase new collections. With its mix of business opportunities and social reconnection, the Bold Optical Fair has secured its position as the leading optical trade show in the Benelux, proving once again that it is more than just a marketplace—it is a celebration of the independent eyewear community.
Looking ahead: BOLD Light and BOLD XXL 2026
The next industry gathering is already in sight. On March 2, 2026, the Brabanthallen will host BOLD Light Edition, a compact buying day focused on frames. Then, on September 6–7, 2026, the Brabanthallen will once again welcome BOLD XXL, promising another powerful edition of the Bold Optical Fair that continues to unite and inspire the entire industry.
About BOLD Optical Fair
Bold Optical Fair 2026
March 2nd, 2026
De Brabanthallen, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
Bold is the optical event of The Netherlands, where opticians and suppliers come together for a large-scale presentation of the latest trends, products, developments, inspiration, and much more.
Square meters
Brands
Visitors
A new and larger venue has been found for Bold Optical Fair. The first edition of the Dutch optical event at the new location of the “Brabanthallen” in Den Bosch took place on 8 and 9 September 2024. With this move, BOLD XXL not only increases the space for exhibitors but also offers numerous advantages for visitors. The Brabanthallen, with more than 4,000 parking spaces, allows visitors to visit the fair easily and comfortably. The indoor climate in September in this new venue will also be more pleasant, improving the overall experience for all attendees.
“The Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch holds a deep-rooted history, stretching back to the early 20th century. Initially, these halls housed the Bossche Veemarkt, a bustling hub in the city center till 1931. With the escalating livestock trade, public spaces began to feel the strain, paving the way for the inauguration of the first fully enclosed livestock market complex in 1931. Now, this cherished venue is set to greet approximately 2,750 eye care specialists, primarily from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, and even from countries beyond Europe, such as the United States.”
In addition, Den Bosch is a wonderful city to visit. known for its historical charm and vibrant atmosphere, and also offers a great opportunity for a weekend getaway.
Add BOLD XXL to your agenda now to miss this chance to experience the new venue and visit an even bigger and more impressive BOLD XXL. Check the preliminary list of participants online, to see the 320+ brands already signed up.
More news on BOLD
BOLD XXL // A Decade of Doing Things Differently
BOLD XXL 2026 marked ten years of doing things differently, bringing 3,219 optical professionals together at the Brabanthallen for two days of eyewear, innovation, education and connection.
BOLD XXL 2026 // Ten Years of Independent Optics
BOLD Optical Fair celebrates its tenth anniversary on 6 and 7 September 2026 with a special BOLD XXL edition at the Brabanthallen in ’s-Hertogenbosch. More than 420 brands, professional education, networking and a special anniversary programme will bring the independent optical industry together for two packed days.
CLUB BIZARRE // The Underground Awaits
TEF Magazine launches the Club Bizarre eyewear exposition, a dark, immersive stage for avant-garde frames, wearable eyewear art and designs that refuse to behave.
BOLD XXL // Ten Years of uniting the Optical Industry
BOLD Optical Fair 2026 marks its tenth anniversary with BOLD XXL at the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch. Bringing together BOLD, Centrop and Hall of Frames, the Dutch optical trade show continues to grow into one of the most important gatherings for independent eyewear and optical professionals in Europe.
Bold Light 2026 // Targeted Purchasing and Networking
Bold Light 2026 in Den Bosch once again proved the value of focused industry gatherings, where opticians can concentrate on targeted purchasing and meaningful networking.
Bold Light 2026 // A Fresh Spring Edition Reimagined
Bold Light 2026 marks a refreshed spring edition of the Bold Optical Fair, bringing a compact format, a newly renovated industrial hall and a strong mix of over one hundred brands. The event focuses on clarity, creativity and efficient buying for opticians preparing their spring collections. With 70 percent already booked, this edition promises renewed energy and a sharp start to the season.
BOLD XXL 2025 // Bigger, Bolder, Brabanthallen
Join us at BOLD XXL 2025 on September 7–8 in Den Bosch. With over 335 brands and the all-new Eyecare Square for modern optical talks, this vibrant show remains a personal favorite and a must for every independent optician.
Bold Light // A Curated Showcase of Eyewear Excellence
Bold Light is set for March 24, 2025, at the 1931 Congress Centre in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, featuring over 135 brands.
TEFtalkBOLD // FFIN Eyewear
I sit down with the brilliant Anna Lewis, the creative force behind the award-winning independent eyewear brand FFIN, to discuss her latest retro-inspired frame design. Known for pushing the boundaries of eyewear design, Anna shares how she combines vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge materials and technology to create this bold, modern frame that is both stylish and functional.
BOLD XXL // International Allure in the Dutch World of Optics
On 8 and 9 September 2024, the Brabanthallen transformed into the epicenter of the optics world, hosting BOLD XXL, the premier optics trade fair of the Benelux region—and beyond! With over 360 brands and an impressive turnout of 2,772 visitors (including 376 from Germany and 147 from Belgium), this year’s event was nothing short of a triumph.
